Introduction: Shade guides, the most widely used instruments for color determination, meet mucous
membranes and saliva during color measurement, and must therefore be treated. The aim of this study
was to examine shade guide disinfection and sterilization techniques used by dentists in Senegal.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The survey was carried out during
an international congress organized in Dakar from June 28 to 29, 2019. A self-administered questionnaire
was distributed to practitioners meeting the selection criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using
SPSS® version 22 software.
Results: A total of 125 questionnaires were distributed, with 113 returned. The average age was 39 ± 8
years, and 32.8% of dental surgeons were under 35 years of age. Professional experience of less than 5 years
was found in 21.2% of the sample. Alcohol was used by 51.3% of practitioners. Autoclave was used by
46% of dentists under 35 years of age, and poupinel by 5.4% (p=0.008). The use of autoclave sterilization
was 52.2% for practitioners with less than 5 years’ experience versus 21.3% for those with more than 5
years’ experience (p=0.005).
Conclusion: Despite the ban on the use of poupinel in some countries and the difficulty of using alcohol in
the decontamination and sterilization chain, these two practices are still relatively common in Senegal

Shade guides, Disinfection, Sterilization, Fixed prosthesis