Shade selection performed by novice dental professionals and colorimeter

summary   The objective of this study was to test inter‐observer variability in shade selection for porcelain restorations, using three different shade guides: Vita Lumin Vacuum, Vita 3D‐Master and Procera. Nineteen young dental professionals acted as observers. The results were also compared with those of a digital colorimeter (Shade Eye Ex; Shofu, Japan). Regarding repeatability, no significant differences were found between the three shade guides, although repeatability was relatively low (33–43%). Agreement with the colorimetric results was also low (8–34%). In conclusion, shade selection shows moderate to great inter‐observer variation. In teaching and standardizing the shade selection procedure, a digital colorimeter may be a useful educational tool.