Abstract: An oral, settable dental composition is prepared by interacting Component A containing (i) a liquid polycarboxylic acid such as C.sub.36 dimer acid, (ii) a reaction rate activator exemplified by acetic acid, zinc acetate, ethanol, phenylmethanol or mixtures thereof and (iii) a thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin as, for example, polyterpene resin with Component B containing a metallic base such as zinc oxide or a mixture of zinc oxide and magnesium oxide in a suitable fluid carrier.