Effect of Formal Training on Tooth Shade Matching Ability among Indian Dental Students in Diverse Clinical Settings: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Selecting a correct shade is the key to success of any prosthesis, especially in the aesthetic zone. Variations of shade in a single tooth or the polychromatic nature of a tooth can impose greater challenges in shade matching. Therefore, it would be best if it is taught during the undergraduate course in dental schools. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and shade matching skills among dental undergraduate students with and without training in three different clinical conditions. Materials and Methods: This post-test only quasi-experimental study was conducted with 377 undergraduate students of Indian origin studying in a dental teaching institute. The students were divided into two groups based upon their clinical training in shade matching: Group I (trained, n=197) and Group II (untrained, n=180). Three different patients, in terms of their shade complexity, were presented to both the groups and their shade matching ability was assessed. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-square test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: Statistical analysis showed that the mean correct scores of the trained students were significantly higher than those of the untrained students (p=0.0001) in all three patients. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001), as the trained group was better able to identify the correct or clinically acceptable shade compared to the untrained group in all three cases. Conclusion: The study concluded that training significantly improved the shade matching ability of dental undergraduate students in clinical conditions presenting varied complexities.

Keywords

• colour education
• colour guide
• ishihara test
• shade selection