Influence of Shade Tab Placement Position and Professional Background on Tooth Shade Selection Accuracy
Abiodun Olabisi Arigbede *
University of Port Harcourt/University of Port Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Ayamma Udo Umanah
University of Port Harcourt/University of Port Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: to assess the influence of shade tabs placement position on accuracy of tooth shade determination and to compare the shade selection ability of dental students, dental surgery technicians (DSTs), registrars and senior registrars (SRs).
Study Design: Cross-sectional
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, between December 2005 and January 2026
Methodology: Six participants each from among: dental students, DSTs, registrars and SRs were requested to match shade A1, B2 and C2 in a bench setting using vita Classical. They were divided into two groups, A & B. In group A, the shade tab being matched is placed by the side of the reference shade tab on the shade guide while in group B the shade tab is placed parallel and close to the edge of the chosen shade tab. The percentage of correct response for each shade and the median for each group were obtained. The median (IQR) was compared between the two groups (Mann-Whitney t-test). P was set at 0.05.
Results: Two students in group A and none in group B correctly identified shade A1. One student in group A identified each of B2 and C2. Two DSTs (66.67%) in group A and 1 in group B, identified shade A1. One DST in group A identified shade B2. Two registrars in group B identified shade A1 and two in group A identified B2. In group B, all the SRs identified shade A1 and one identified shade B2. In group A, 1 identified C2 correctly. There was no statistically significant difference in the median percent score of correct response between the groups (P=0.378).
Conclusion: Shade tab placement position did not make a statistically significant impact on the final results. The students and SRs performed better in group A and B respectively.
Keywords: Education, shade guide, shade matching, tooth shade selection