COLOR VISION DEFICIENCY AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS AND ITS EFFECT ON SHADE MATCHING ABILITY

Hetaf S. Redwan, Arwa U Alsaggaf, Rayan A. Hawsawi, Shahinaz N. Sembawa, Amin Marghalani

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.87

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of color vision deficiency (CVD) among dentists and dental students, and to evaluate their ability to select suitable shades for aesthetic restorations, comparing those with CVD to participants with normal color vision. Materials and Methods: A total of 187 participants were screened for CVD using the Ishihara color blindness test. Additionally, participants were assessed for their shade-matching ability using a custom shade guide with 10 composite resin samples. The results were analyzed based on gender, qualification level, and CVD status. Results: The prevalence of CVD was found to be 5.3%, with a significantly higher proportion of male participants (90%). Despite the presence of CVD, no significant differences were observed in shade-matching performance between participants with CVD and those with normal color vision (P=0.48). Knowledge of CVD among participants was generally low, with many participants unaware of the condition before testing. Conclusion: While CVD was relatively rare among dental practitioners and students, it did not significantly impact shade-matching abilities. Routine color vision screening and further education on CVD are recommended for dental professionals to ensure optimal clinical outcomes.