Statement of problem An incompatibility between the initiator systems of self-curing composite resins and light-curing adhesives was supposed recently. Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of activators for self/dual bonding on dentin shear bonding strengths. Material and methods Fifty human molars were divided into 5 groups. A flat dentin surface was created for each tooth. A self-curing composite resin (Luxacore) was bonded with the following adhesives (n = 10); One-Step, Prime&Bond NT, AdheSE, Prime&Bond NT and AdheSE were also used in combination with activators. Shear bond strengths were measured after 24 hours of water storage. The specimens were loaded in shear in the Instron until failure at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). Results The dentin adhesive systems in order of decreasing median bond strength were One-Step > Prime&Bond NT with activator, AdheSE with activator > Prime&Bond NT, AdheSE. Among adhesives, One-Step had the highest bond strength. Prime&Bond NT with activator had higher bond strengths than Prime&Bond NT that was used alone, and so was AdheSE. Conclusion Shear bond strengths were increased in Prime&Bond NT and AdheSE when these were used with activators comparing used without activators. But using activators was not effective clinically comparing One-Step. (J Kor Acad Prosthodont 2008;46:511-9).