Comparison of time consumption and color matching results of different dental occupational groups.

PURPOSE: A study was conducted to compare the accuracy and time consumption of shade matching tasks performed by students, clinicians, and dental technicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 126 participants were asked to pair shade tabs and to choose the best shade match for three natural teeth using the Chromascop shade guide. Time consumption was recorded. The frequency of correct answers and time consumption results were compared across occupational groups and by levels of clinical experience. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between occupational groups in shade tab pairing or natural tooth color matching. Experience did not affect the shade tab pairing, but experienced participants were better in natural tooth color matching. Clinicians performed the shade tab matching task faster than preclinical and clinical students, while technicians were faster than preclinical students. In the natural tooth color matching task, clinicians and technicians were faster than students. Regarding experience, novice observers were slower than experienced individuals. A significant negative correlation was observed between time consumption for visual shade matching and the frequency of correct matches for both shade tabs and natural teeth. CONCLUSION: The level of professional experience improved color matching of natural teeth. Overall, clinicians and dental technicians performed faster than students, while lower time consumption for shade matching was associated with better scores.