Visual shade matching (VSM) is the most common procedure to select an adequate shade in dentistry. This clinical procedure requires the use of a shade guide, being Vita Classical (VC) the most popular among the available guides. VSM is a subjective and inconsistent process with many observer related variables (e.g. color deficiency, experience, gender and eye fatigue) that can influence on the final color appearance. The gender influence on the accuracy of VSM is controversial.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the VSM performed by female (F) and male (M) students, using VC shade guide, testing the null hypothesis that VSM is not influenced by gender.

• Female and male observers will be analyzed.
• Human upper central incisors (UCI) will be shade matched to shade tabs from Vita Classical (VC) shade guide.
• The spectral reflectances from the four UCI and from the 16 VC shade tabs will be measured using a spectroradiometer (SP).
• Measurements will be performed over a gray background, inside a viewing booth and under D65 illuminant (diffuse/0º geometry).
• CIELAB coordinates (L*, a* and b*) will be calculated according to CIE D65 illuminant and CIE 2º Standard Observer.
• Two color difference metrics (CIELAB and CIEDE2000(2:1:1)) will be used to find the best option for each UCI, using VC shade guide.
• Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and McNemar test (α=0.05).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dental students (DS) from University of Passo Fundo.
• DS with some knowledge and clinical experience with shade matching.
• DS from 20 to 35 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• DS with abnormal color vision.

Dental students from University of Passo Fundo (Brazil) and with some knowledge and clinical experience with shade matching will be included in the study.