Background music helped to improve the performance of dental students during tooth preparation exercises, a new study shows.
According to a new study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland, the use of background music reduces dental students’ stress and improves their performance during preclinical tooth preparation exercises.
Published in the Journal of Dental Education, the study looked to determine if music has an impact on dental students’ anxiety, satisfaction, and performance during the exercises.
Research on music in various environments has supported its positive effects on emotions and wellbeing. Evidence also suggests that it can foster education and learning.
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Higher satisfaction
The 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 versus listening to quiet, low-tempo background music.
The students’ perceptions were surveyed, while quantitative, computer-aided measurements were taken to analyse their performance.
Results found:
- The students’ overall satisfaction in the background music was high. Music was found to reduce stress while also increasing their motivation to learn and practice
- Communication in the classroom was smooth despite the music
- The students’ use of time and quality of cavity preparation were enhanced.
According to the researchers, this pilot study lends support to the use of music in preclinical cariology training. They suggest extending this to other dental education environments that may be stressful.
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