Pilot Study Reveals Positive Impact of Music on Dental Education

A recent pilot study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland has demonstrated that the use of background music can significantly reduce stress levels and improve performance during preclinical tooth preparation exercises for dental students. Published in the Journal of Dental Education, these findings shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating music into dental education environments.

Background music increases student productivity

Music has become ubiquitous in our daily lives, permeating various environments, including dental clinics, shopping malls, and restaurants. Research in diverse settings has consistently highlighted the positive impact of music on emotions and well-being. Furthermore, evidence suggests that background music can enhance education, foster learning, and increase student satisfaction and productivity. However, the impact of background music on the anxiety levels and performance of preclinical dental students has remained largely unexplored.

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Enhancing Dental Skills and Performance

Acquiring manual skills and procedural competence is crucial in preclinical dental training. Even fundamental dental techniques like tooth preparation and polishing can become challenging in mentally demanding new environments where students must learn to triage and act effectively.

In this prospective cross-sectional pilot study, young dental students participating in a cariology course engaged in phantom head training exercises in a simulation laboratory. The study aimed to investigate the effects of background music on students’ anxiety levels, satisfaction, and performance during these exercises. The students’ perceptions were surveyed, and quantitative computer-aided measurements were employed to analyse their performance.

Positive Outcomes and Student Satisfaction

The pilot study revealed high levels of overall satisfaction with the inclusion of background music. The presence of music was found to reduce stress and increase motivation to learn and practice. Notably, communication in the classroom remained unaffected despite the presence of music. Additionally, the use of background music improved time management and the quality of cavity preparation.

Researchers involved in the study suggest that these findings provide valuable support for incorporating background music into preclinical cariology training, as it demonstrated beneficial effects on dental skills education and practice. The positive impact of music intervention may also extend to other stressful dental education environments.

As the field of dental education continues to evolve, incorporating background music could serve as a simple yet effective tool to reduce student stress, enhance performance, and create a more conducive learning environment for aspiring dental professionals. Further research in this area could provide additional insights into the potential benefits of integrating music into dental education practices.

Read the full article: Influence of background music on stress reduction and impact on performances during students’ simulation exercises.