obturation serves to lubricate the dentinal wall, flush out debris, [7] dissolve organic and inorganic components of the smear layer to clean dentine surface, [8] and improve the bonding ability of resin-based sealers. But studies have shown that these irrigants may alter the chemical composition of the dentin surface, dentin permeability, wettability, or extent of collagen degradation, thus altering the interaction of the dentin with the resin-based sealer. [9] Sodium hypochlorite is the most essential irrigant due to its ability to dissolve pulp tissue and anti-microbial effect but also it decreases the bond strength [10] so in addition, the use of a chelating agent like EDTA is needed for smear layer removal. [11] In endodontics, 7% maleic acid and 10% citric acid has been shown to be effective in removing smear layer due to the low ph. [12] Recently, EDTA-based formulations have been developed as final rinse solutions, such as smear clear (Sybron Endo, Orange, CA) [13,14] containing EDTA, detergent, and cetrimide. This irrigant was specifically designed for the smear layer Access this article online Website: www.jicdro.org ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the effect of smear clear, 7% maleic acid, 10% citric acid, and 17% EDTA on the push-out bond strength of epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer to dentin. Materials and Methodos: Fifty extracted mandibular premolars were collected. After decoronation using a diamond disc and water spray to obtain approximately 14 mm long root segments, canal patency and working length were established by inserting K file #15 (Mani). The root canals were enlarged using Protaper nickel-titanium rotary instruments to size #F3 at the working length irrigating with 3 mL of 2.6% sodium hypochlorite between each file size. The roots were then randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation regimen Group1: Saline (control). Group 2: 17% EDTA, Group 3: 7% maleic acid, Group 4: 10% citric acid, Group 5: Smear clear. Obturation was done using gutta-percha with AH Plus sealer. Each root section was then subjected to a compressive load via a universal testing machine, to measure the push out bond strength followed by assessment of fracture pattern under stereomicroscope. Results: The data was collected and submitted to statistical analysis by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Group 3: NaOCl/maleic acid/distilled water showed greater bond strength (2.2+/-0.278 MPa) as compared to other groups. Mixed type of bond failure was predominant. Conclusion: Removal of smear layer with maleic acid as a final rinse enhanced the adhesive ability of AH plus sealer, followed by EDTA and smear clear.