Day to day dentistry is a constant balancing act. Clinicians are expected to deliver efficient, reliable restorations while still meeting high expectations for precision, aesthetics and patient comfort, often within tight appointment times. In that environment, materials are not just products on a shelf. They either support the way you work, or they quietly slow you down.
Whether you are running a full NHS list, a busy private diary, or most commonly a combination of both, consistency matters. Materials that behave predictably and simplify decision making can remove friction from the working day and help clinicians stay focused on the treatment in front of them. That is exactly what the Dental Advisor Awards aim to recognise, products that deliver reliable performance in everyday practice, not just under ideal laboratory conditions.
In 2026, several Solventum materials were recognised across cementation, bonding, restorative and preventive categories. The following highlights what stood out to Dental Advisor evaluators and why these products translate well into real world restorative workflows.
3M™ RelyX™ Universal Resin Cement (Best Universal Cement)
Cementation is often one of the most stressful steps in restorative dentistry. NHS time pressures and private expectations both leave little room for uncertainty — especially where debonding or marginal issues lead to awkward call‑backs.
RelyX Universal Resin Cement was designed to reduce that stress.
Why it stood out:
- One cement for self‑adhesive and adhesive workflows
- Redesigned syringe and low‑waste tip to minimise excess
- Predictable handling and controlled flow
Dental Advisor evaluators praised the engineering, calling it “a wonderful combination of the new syringe and tip.” Another highlighted the value of “having one cement with options for self‑adhesive and adhesive bonding,” removing the need to switch systems between cases.
Independent testing recorded the highest dentine and zirconia bond strengths ever measured by Dental Advisor laboratories. Over two years of evaluation, there was no debonding, no marginal discolouration, and no shade change — reassuring whether you’re fitting an NHS crown quickly or cementing higher‑value private indirect work where longevity really matters.
When used with Scotchbond™ Universal Plus, it also received a Long‑Term Performer Award, reinforcing confidence in long‑term outcomes.
3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive (Best Universal Bond)
Bonding protocols can easily become over‑complicated, especially in mixed practices where clinicians move between different case types all day.
Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive aims to simplify things:
- One bottle
- All etch modes
- Bonds to virtually every substrate
Evaluators highlighted the redesigned bottle that dispenses very small amounts, helping reduce waste which is a huge practical advantage in both NHS and private settings. They also commented on how easy it is to visually confirm even coverage after drying, which removes uncertainty and saves time chairside.
By eliminating the need for multiple primers or dedicated adhesives, Scotchbond Universal Plus also helps practices reduce inventory, streamline workflows, and maintain consistency across clinicians.
3M™ Filtek™ Universal Restorative (Best Universal Composite)
When selecting a universal composite, clinicians tend to agree on the priorities: predictable handling, simplified shading, good aesthetics, and minimal finishing time. Filtek Universal Restorative delivered on all fronts.
Evaluators reported excellent control “at the margins for occlusal and interproximal restorations,” with a viscosity that supports precise sculpting — helpful for quick NHS restorations and more detailed private work alike. Others highlighted how “aesthetic and easy to match to the VITA shade guide” the material is, reducing both chair time and the need for adjustments.
TRUE nanotechnology contributes to long‑term wear resistance and polish retention, meaning restorations continue to look good over time — not just on the day of placement. The composite is also indicated for composite warming, offering flexibility without compromising physical properties.
3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative (Bulk Fill Composite Research Award)
Posterior restorations demand strength and efficiency. Layering multiple increments isn’t always practical during a full day of treatment.
Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative was engineered to address this balance, earning the Research Award for Bulk Fill Composite.
Dental Advisor evaluators highlighted:
- Reliable curing up to 5mm
- High flexural and compressive strength
- Excellent radiopacity
Clinicians also commented on its aesthetics, with one calling it “one of the most aesthetic direct restorative materials” they had used. For clinicians managing heavy NHS workloads, fewer layers can reduce appointment times, while private patients still benefit from results comparable to traditional universal composites.
3M™ Filtek™ Supreme Flowable Restorative (Flowable Composite Research Award)
Flowables often end up being used for far more than their original indication, particularly in busy clinics. Filtek Supreme Flowable was developed in response to common concerns such as void formation, durability, and polish retention.
Evaluators praised how seamlessly it blended into tooth structure, with comments such as “you had to look hard to find the interface.” Several described it as their “go‑to flowable composite.”
The syringe tip is designed to significantly reduce bubbles, and independent testing confirmed strong fracture toughness and gloss retention. Whether used for liners, small restorations, repairs, or minimally invasive techniques, the material offers predictable handling in both time‑pressured and aesthetically demanding situations.
3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment (Best Fluoride Treatment)
Preventive treatments are essential, but patient acceptance can be a challenge with traditional fluoride varnishes that feel thick, sticky, or leave a visible residue. Clinpro Clear Fluoride Treatment was recognised for addressing these issues.
Clinicians reported that patients appreciated maintaining a “fresh from the dentist” feel after application. Evaluators valued the clear, smooth consistency and the simple 15‑minute post‑application guideline, which fits easily into both NHS and private hygiene appointments.
With 9,500 ppm fluoride, added calcium and phosphate, a neutral pH, and a rosin‑free formula, Clinpro Clear offers protection and hypersensitivity relief while improving the overall patient experience.
Final thoughts
Awards matter most when they reflect real‑world performance, and this year’s Dental Advisor recognition for several of Solventum dental solutions highlight materials shaped by genuine clinical feedback.
For UK dentists balancing NHS efficiency with private expectations, these Solventum products share a common strength: They reduce complexity, support consistent outcomes, and help remove unnecessary friction from everyday dentistry.
