The efficiency of 2,2-Dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA) for the photopolymerization of methacrylate monomers in thick sections was assessed. DMPA is an efficient photoinitiator for thick sections (approximate to 2 mm) because a fast reaction and high conversions are obtained with concentrations as low as 0.25 wt % DMPA. The polymerization rate increased when the DMPA content increased from 0.125 wt % to 0.25 wt %. However, the conversion versus irradiation time profiles in resins containing 0.25 wt % or 0.5 wt % DMPA were similar. This is attributed to the screening effect caused by excessive levels of DMPA. In addition, the consumption of DMPA under UV irradiation was accompanied by the appearance of light absorbing photoproducts. Because the absorbing species nearest to the light source absorb part of it, the light fails to reach the deeper layers of the sample. The overall effect of light screening is a reduced photoinitiation rate and double bond conversion along the irradiation path. This effect was compensated by the use of irradiation sources of higher intensity; which increased the initiation rate by increasing the production of primary radicals. DMPA is colorless and it does not require the presence of amine as coinitiator. These properties make DMPA attractive as photoinitiator of dental composites. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 418-425, 2012