Development and Exploratory Pilot Evaluation of a Dual-Dimensional Shade Matching Training System

Objectives Despite the growing aesthetic emphasis in dentistry, a significant gap persists in clinical shade matching training and standardised evaluation. To address this, we developed the Dual-Dimensional Shade Matching Training and Scoring (DDSMTS) system, which aims to enhance practical proficiency and provide an objective scoring framework. Methods The DDSMTS system comprised a biomimetic head model with standardised prosthetic/abutment models and shade guides to simulate clinical scenarios, alongside a software system integrating modules for colour difference calculation, random question selection and automatic scoring. The scoring system was established by quantifying colour differences using CIE-LAB values, with scores derived from the ratio of the measured colour difference to the maximum colour difference. To conduct the exploratory pilot evaluation of DDSMTS system, 33 dental students participated in the training and assessment. Their prosthetic and abutment shade matching scores, along with the total score, were recorded at baseline, 1 week and 2 weeks post-training. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test, followed by Dunn’s multiple comparisons. Results A training-dependent improvement in shade matching performance was detected. Scores for prosthetic and abutment matching escalated significantly from baseline (38.28 ± 4.78 and 40.88 ± 2.13, respectively) to 1-week (42.74 ± 3.28 and 45.10 ± 1.38) and 2-week post-training (48.06 ± 1.67 and 48.45 ± 0.97), with all post-training points showing statistical significance ( P < .05). Conclusion By enhancing shade matching proficiency, the DDSMTS system could demonstrate promising short-term educational utility in simulated shade matching training in the present study. Clinical relevance The DDSMTS system provided standardised, reproducible simulated clinical procedures and objective quantitative scoring. Its training could improve shade matching accuracy for the prosthesis and abutment, which can be incorporated into preclinical curricula to boost practical shade discrimination skills.