Abstract

ARIAS FREDES, Roque et al. TRAINING OF VISUAL DISCRIMINATION SKILLS IN DENTISTRY. Rev Fac Odontol Univ Antioq [online]. 2015, vol.26, n.2, pp.358-367. ISSN 0121-246X.

INTRODUCTION: the objective of this study was to determine whether a short training workshop including theoretical instruction and the use of a computer program improves visual discrimination of the most important dimension in tooth color selection: luminosity. METHODS: 51 students who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study after signing an informed consent. Each student was asked to arrange 16 samples of the Vitapan Classical Guide from highest to lowest luminosity according to the manufacturer’s scale. This procedure was done in 3 minutes with covered identification codes, under daylight, and against a neutral gray background. This first arrangement was done with no prior instruction. Training was provided afterwards and consisted of a 45-minute theoretical class and one-hour practicum using the 7-exercise groups of the Color Training Exercises computer program. Finally, each participant made a second arrangement one week after the training workshop. The results were compared using the Student T-test for paired samples. RESULTS: the first arrangement yielded 33.3% of success and after training there was 33.6% success in average. There were no significant differences (p = 0.8520). CONCLUSIONS: considering the limitations of the study, providing a short theoretical workshop plus visual training using a computer program is not effective in improving visual discrimination of tooth color luminosity in the study subjects.

Keywords : dental education; color; luminosity; visual discrimination; training.

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