Abstract: A dental illumination device is provided that comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes capable of emitting light of selected wavelengths that do not activate initiator molecules contained within dental restorative material such as dental composite, or at an intensity which is insufficient to initiate substantial polymerization of the dental restorative material. Typically, the dental illumination device produces light having wavelengths not in a range selected from 400 nm to 500 nm, 350 nm to 470 nm and below 350 nm to 420 nm. The dental illumination device may further comprise a switch that allows the aforementioned wavelengths to be switched off or reduced in intensity as required. The dental illumination device may operate as a stand-alone unit or may be fitted to an existing dental light.