Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the shade selection practice in dental clinic in Dongguan， Guangdong province， and to enhance mutual communication between the dentists and the dental technicians.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys were conducted to 156 dental clinicians of some dentistry institutions of Dongguan during the period from Feb 1st， 2010 to Aug 31st，2010. Survey projects included the usage of the shade guide， the practice of shade matching skills and the communication between the dentists and the dental technicians.

Results

In the 156 survey participants， 34.5% of dentists used Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide for shade selection，24.3% preferred Vitapan Classical shade guide， while 39.4% used both. 58.4% participants applied Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide in an inappropriate way， and 46.9% never or rarely communicated with dental technicians about color matching problems.

Conclusions

Shade guides were widely used by dentists in Dongguan. However， improper use of the shade guide and a lack of communication with the dental technicians might have adverse effects on color selection for ceramic restorations.

Key words: Shade selection, Dental porcelain, Dental prosthesis