Mussle foot protein has a main component which is named dopa. Dopa can be used to promote a relatively firm adhesion of mussels to the surface of solid materials through forming dihydrogen bonds, π-π/π-cation bonds and chelating metals,etc. To exploit these interactions, there is the opportunity to apply dopa-inspired compounds to improve the dentin-resin bonding. The current review provides valuable information concerning the mechanism of adhesion mediated by mussel foot protein and describes the application of dopa-inspired compounds in the dentin-resin bonding. The article provides novel information for future research in optimization of the properties of dentin-resin bonding.