Influence of Color Vision Impairments on Shade Matching among Dental Students

Abstract

This study examined the impact of color vision deficits on shade selection accuracy among 119 Portuguese dental students. Only males displayed color vision deficiencies (4/119). Participants completed an Ishihara color vision screening test and a shade selection test using the VITAPAN classical scale. Overall, 59.4% of students correctly matched shades. No significant gender difference was found. Matching shades was easier in the order of C > B > A > D, with darker shades posing more difficulty. Color vision deficiencies did not significantly affect accurate tooth shade selection. However, males showed a higher prevalence of color vision deficiencies, and shade matching ease varied based on matice.

Keywords

• color
• color vision deficits
• shade selection