A method for preparing a dental prosthesis based on electronically determined image and color/shade data of a patient's tooth is disclosed. The image data and the color/shade data are displayed on a display device in the dental office. The image data and color/shade data are transmitted to a computing device at a remote location over a data communication channel. A telephone communication is established between a dental professional in a location proximate to the dental office and a dental technician or ceramist in a location proximate to the remote location while the dental professional and the dental technician or ceramist are commonly viewing the image and color/shade data. The dental prosthesis is prepared at the remote location based on the electronically transmitted image and color/shade data. Color/shade data of the dental prosthesis is electronically determined and the dental prosthesis is selectively modified prior to installing the dental prosthesis in the patient.