The effect of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) on the bond strength and durability of the resin-dentin interface using a three-step etch-and-rinse and a universal adhesive (UA) system was investigated. Additionally, the effect of dry and wet bonding on the interface created by UA was evaluated. Investigations carried out were scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation, interfacial nanoleakage expression (NE) and micro-tensile bond strength (mu-TBS) testing. Dentin surfaces of sound molars were acid-etched, pretreated with 0.3 M EDC followed by adhesive application and restored with composite incrementally. Resin-dentin beams for mu-TBS testing and resin-dentin slabs for SEM and NE were sectioned. At 24 h, pre-treatment with EDC did not significantly change the mu-TBS and NE of any of the adhesives compared to their respective controls. There is a significant decrease in the mu-TBS and significant increase in NE after 1 yr of storage compared to the 24h results. UA in dry bonding conditions pretreated with EDC had higher mu-TBS values than its control. Pre-treatment of acid-etched dentin with 0.3 M EDC for 1 min enhanced the bond strength and durability of the resin-dentin interface created by the tested adhesives. Application of UA in a wet bonding technique appeared less effective than dry bonding technique.