Awareness of Tooth Shade Selection Principles among Dental Students, Interns, Genral Dentists and Specialists

The purpose of this survey was to determine the knowledge and awareness about the principles of tooth shade selection among final year dental students, interns, general dentists and specialist prosthodontists/restorative dentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administrative questionnaire especially designed for this study, was distributed among a conveniently selected sample. A total of 292 (response rate of 83%) questionnaires were completed. The results of this study showed that the specialists have a better awareness about the principles of tooth shade selection. There was a significant (p<.05) difference between the final year dental students, general dentists and specialists regarding the shade selection methods, timings, lighting conditions, surrounding factors, removal of stains, shade distribution charts and knowledge of the shade guide. On the other hand, no significant difference (p>.05) was found between the groups in relation to factors as using visual method, shade selection prior to procedure, position of the patients, seeking second opinion and patients’ opinion during the shade selection. Further analyses indicated that specialist dentists have better understanding about the principles of tooth shade selection as compared to final year students, interns and general dentists.