In the last years, several experimental techniques have been improved to measure mechanical properties of human dentin. Dentin exhibits a behavior like a functionally graded material with properties dependent on tubule density and orientation. This work describes and critically analyzes the elastic, anelastic and plastic characteristics of dentin on the basis of scientific literature, in particular data of Youngs modulus, shear modulus, Poissons ratio, yield and ultimate stress, hardness, fatigue, fracture toughness, creep, stress relaxation and damping have been considered. Finally, a new indentation technique (FIMEC test) is proposed to characterize the mechanical properties of dentin on a local scale.