A non-sterile substance intended for professional use as a dental cement (e.g., luting agent, liner, base) and/or direct dental restorative material whereby the majority of the setting reaction is based on the hardening reaction between zinc oxide (ZnO) and aqueous solutions of polycarboxylic acid (e.g., polyacrylic acid). It typically includes some additional fillers/components. After application, this device cannot be reused.