Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access

Abstract

COLOR BLINDNESS IN DENTAL STUDENTS AND STAFF- AN OBSTACLE IN SHADE SELECTION FOR RESTORATIONS

Amit V Naik, Ranjana C Pai

Dentists having defective color vision may be unaware of their defect or may have problems in perceiving color as normal vision dentists do. People who are "color vision defective" tend to be missing some of the color-sensitive cones, so these colors will appear darker. The aim of the present study is to 1. estimate the number of dental students/ personnel having problems in color discrimination based on a color blindness test 2. To refer the students/ personnel to a specialist for confirmative diagnosis. 3. To provide alternate options for shade selection to the same. Dental students, dental teachers and dental technicians/ dental auxiliaries were randomly selected for the study, with a sample size of 400 with age range of 17 to 35 out of which 200 were males and 200 females. An Ishihara color blindness test (numbers made up of color dots) was conducted to screen the dental personnel for color defective vision in the same room and in the same light source. 5% of the male and 0% of female dental personnel/ students were found to be color vision defective. Counseling to such students and personnel required to take assistance in appointments of shade selection / matching.

Published Date: 2010-12-31;