Take a direct shade of an individual’s tissues to produce a match for dental prosthetic devices

This standard covers the safe practice of taking direct shades of individuals’ tissues specifically teeth and soft tissues to produce information related to the provision of dental prosthetic devices or similar using manual or digital techniques.
Tooth and soft tissue shades may be required for fixed crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or additions to existing dentures.

The design and manufacturing process of dental prosthesis may be carried out in a regulated dental laboratory within a variety of settings.

Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information, policies and regulations.

1. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with workplace procedures
2. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with workplace procedures
3. communicate with individual and relevant others at a pace, manner and level appropriate to their understanding, preferences and needs
4. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
5. establish, through discussion, and record the needs and requirements of the individual
6. decide on a suitable and safe technique related to the type of shade-taking system, and whether the individual is edentulous, partially edentulous or dentate
7. use digital techniques for shade taking to produce a match for dental prosthetic devices
8. consider the accuracy of the light for the procedure, taking into account the surrounding environment, and take the appropriate action
9. prepare the individual, the equipment, and any support materials, and advise the individual on how to participate during the procedure
10. place the shade tab against both the main area and other areas of the tissue or tooth, select the appropriate match and accurately record the result
11. select a surface texture and a surface value character to match agreed case needs where appropriate
12. discuss and agree the findings with the individual, and explain the follow-up treatment procedures
13. dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legislation, guidelines, and workplace procedures
14. complete and store all documentation in accordance with relevant legislation, guidelines, and workplace procedures

1. how to communicate with the individual and relevant others at a pace, manner and level appropriate to their understanding, preferences and needs
2. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
3. the importance of applying standard infection control precautions and the potential consequences of poor practice
4. relevant oral anatomy and physiology related to tooth structure and tissue colours
5. the range, principles, practice and procedures of shade taking systems currently available including digital
6. the clinical practice and procedures related to manually taking the shade of tooth or soft tissues; taking the surface characteristic; taking the amount of value
7. the effects of lighting types and lighting values on shade taking, and of exterior conditions including colours in the environment
8. the developments in technology including imaging equipment, in respect of recording aspects of shade, texture and gloss
9. how to manage and integrate the procedure of shade, surface character and gloss to assist in providing aesthetic dental prostheses in accordance with individual requirements or needs
10. different methods of waste disposal and how to apply these
11. the importance of updating documentation and storing individuals records safely and securely