Which is MOST likely to cause collapse of the dentin collagen network during bonding?

Correct answer: A. Excess drying (over-drying)

• A. Correct. Over-drying etched dentin collapses the exposed collagen mesh, preventing resin infiltration — hence 'moist/wet bonding' for etch-and-rinse systems.
• B. Incorrect. Over-preparation removes tooth structure but is not the specific cause of collagen collapse.
• C. Incorrect. Over-etching can demineralize too deeply, but the COLLAPSE specifically results from desiccating the demineralized collagen.
• D. Incorrect. Excess adhesive may pool/under-cure but does not collapse the collagen scaffold.