Randomized multi-centre study on the effect of training on tooth shade matching

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Color Science
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Visual shade determination is crucial in clinical dentistry.
• Improving the accuracy of visual shade matching remains a challenge.
• Existing training methods require evaluation for efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the training effect of Toothguide Trainer (TT) and Toothguide Training Box (TTB).
• To determine if TT and TTB training improves tooth shade matching skills.
• To assess if the training effect is independent of the shade guide system used.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 78 dental students.
• Study group received TT and TTB training between introduction and final tests.
• Control group only underwent introduction and final tests with a break in between.
• Color matching accuracy was assessed using the Vita classical scale and quantified by ΔE values.

Main Results:

• The study group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in tooth shade matching compared to the control group.
• 47.6% of the study group showed significantly better results.
• The training effect was found to be independent of the specific shade guide (Vita classical or 3D-Master) used.

Conclusions:

• Toothguide Trainer (TT) and Toothguide Training Box (TTB) provide a positive training effect on tooth shade matching.
• The efficacy of TT and TTB training is not dependent on the shade guide system.
• This study provides the first evidence of TT and TTB training effectiveness using the Vita classical scale.