Mozart And Molars: Music Soothes Nerves of Dental Students

A well-accepted background musical piece at the right volume could improve the performance of dental undergraduates during their preclinical laboratory sessions as demonstrated by the technical aid. These were the results of a pilot study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland using background music to improve the performance of dental students during preclinical tooth preparation exercises. The study findings were published in Journal of Dental Education.

We hear music almost everywhere we go. Research on music in various environments has supported its positive effects on emotions and well-being (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
The Impact of Background Music in Reducing Stress During Preclinical Dental Laboratories

Go to source). Evidence also suggests that background music can foster education and learning and has the potential to increase student satisfaction and productivity (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Influence of background music on stress reduction and impact on performances during students’ simulation exercises

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Background Music Keeps Dental Students Stress-Free and Motivated

However, data on whether background music has an influence on the anxiety levels of preclinical dental students during practice, or whether it alters their performance, is scarce to non-existent.

The acquisition of manual skills and procedural competence is of vital importance in preclinical dental training. Even basic dental skills, such as tooth preparation and polishing, can become difficult in cognitively demanding new environments where undergraduates must learn how to triage and act.

The present prospective cross-sectional pilot study compared the performance of 36 young dental students on a cariology course during phantom head training exercises in a simulation laboratory without background music or listening to quiet, low-tempo background music (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
The effect of music on the human stress response

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The objective was to determine if music has an impact on dental students’ anxiety, satisfaction, and performance during the exercises. The students’ perceptions were surveyed, and quantitative, computer-aided measurements were taken to analyze their performance.

The student’s overall satisfaction with the background music was high. Music was found to reduce Stress while also increasing the motivation to learn and practice. Communication in the classroom was smooth despite the background music, and the student’s use of time and quality of cavity preparation was enhanced.

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According to the researchers, this pilot study lends support to the use of background music in preclinical cariology training, as it appeared to have helpful effects on dental skills education and practice. This music intervention could also be extended to other stressful dental education environments.

References:

1. The Impact of Background Music in Reducing Stress During Preclinical Dental Laboratories - (https://journals.lww.com/jpcd/Fulltext/2019/09010/The_Impact_of_Background_Music_in_Reducing_Stress.13.aspx)
2. Influence of background music on stress reduction and impact on performances during students’ simulation exercises - (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jdd.13235)
3. The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response - (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0070156)

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Source-Eurekalert