The properties of the dental resin composites have been studied extensively with several different methods including infrared and Raman spectroscopy, volume dilatometry, and mechanical analyses. Photo-calorimetry has also been used to measure the kinetics and extent of polymerization, but many of the variables associated with this technique remain to be fully defined and tested to enable quick and reproducible measurements under clinically relevant conditions. We have systematically varied the sample mass, light intensity, temperature, nitrogen purge time, and examined their effects on the monomer conversion and polymerization kinetics with the aim to optimize and standardize the photo-DSC method for the study of dental resins. A post-cure isothermal baseline at 37 degrees C yielded reproducible results. This systematic study detailing the effects of several variables of photo-calorimetry allows its direct use as a standard method to study polymerization kinetics and monomer conversion of dental resins and other photo-curable materials. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.