Evaluation of Knowledge and Technique of Shade Selection Among Nigerian Dentists: a National Survey

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the knowledge of tooth shade matching and the techniques for shade selection among Nigerian dentists. Methods A national survey covering all the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. It was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study in which practicing Dentists from government tertiary and secondary facilities as well as private dental practitioners participated. Both online and hardcopy questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Data pertaining to bio data, knowledge of shade selection, standard protocols and techniques of shade matching were obtained. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. (p value < 0.05) Results Of the 350 participants, 192 (54.9%) were male and 158 (45.1%) were females. Almost all (98.6%) of the participants have seen shade guide and most (88.6%) got their experience from the clinical practice. A good number (66.9%) of the participants were aware of the standard protocol for selecting tooth shade. A small proportion (35.1%) of the participants displayed good knowledge of tooth shade selection in general; however, a greater percentage (58.5%) of them exhibited good technique of shade matching. The majority of the participants that demonstrated poor knowledge also showed poor adherence to shade selection protocols and this was statistically significant (p-value = 0.001). Conclusions The outcome of this study revealed a manageably fair experience of the participants in the technique of tooth shade selection. This could be improved with the proper adherent to the standard protocols of tooth shade selection and wherever available the use of advance method of tooth shade selection.