Assess the Knowledge of Composite Shade Selection and Color Matching among Dental Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Introduction: The scientific principles of color and shade matching are basic knowledge a dentist must have.
Aim: To determine the knowledge of composite shade selection and color matching among dental students, improvement of the quality in dental schools, and insurance to have qualified future dentists.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia in September 2020, by collecting data through Google e-survey forms on a convenience sample of dental students. All data were analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).
Results and Discussion: A total of 501 (26.9% males and 73.1% females) responded to the survey. Regarding the knowledge, 57.1% think they need to learn more about the composite shade selection procedure.The majority (85.8%) agreed that they do the shade selection procured before the tooth preparation.Regarding the tooth condition during shade selection, 63.5% agreed that the best condition to choose the shade is when the tooth is wet. More than half of the participants (53.7%) always remove the stains and debris before shade selection. Regarding the position of the patient, 68.9% agreed that the patient should be in upright position during shade selection. Concerning the patient level to the dentist eyes, 83% said that the position of the patient should be directly at the eye level of the dentist. When asked about the natural daylight, 84.8% use it during shade selection. Regarding shade used, A2 is commonly used by 64.3%. Difficulties during shade matching were present with 78.8%. Furthermore, 85.8% think that they need more education and practice about shade selection.
Conclusion: Dental students require more training and knowledge about the shade selection, improvement of the communication between the student and the patients to understand the patients’ demands regarding the aesthetic and to increase the effectiveness of the restoration.