Does Classical Music Really Rock and Roll? Yes, and Mozart is Forever

Effective dental education for Generation Z students relies not just on the educators’ knowledge, but on innovative and engaging methods of sharing that knowledge.

Mozart’s compositions are striking a chord in an unexpected arena: dental schools. Recent studies from Finland and Turkey have revealed that low-tempo background, such as classical music, can significantly enhance the learning experience and performance of dental students during preclinical training.

At the University of Eastern Finland, researchers found that lowtempo background music during preclinical exercises led to reduced stress levels, improved cavity preparation quality, and increased motivation among students. The studies were published in the Journal of Dental Education, which is recognized as the premier publication for academic dentistry. Both papers demonstrated that music could be a valuable tool in preclinical cariology training [1, 2]. One of the Kuopio Team’s original articles was included in the “HIGH-IMPACT PAPERS” top 5 group and has garnered more than 800 downloads in less than a year [2].

Meanwhile, at the Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry in Ankara, Turkey, a study involving 60 third-year students using virtual reality and haptic technology for endodontic preclinical training showed remarkable results. Students who listened to Mozart’s compositions during access cavity preparation process experienced significantly decreased stress levels and demonstrated enhanced precision in dental procedures.

Stress reduction: Both studies reported lower anxiety levels among students exposed to classical music during preclinical training.

Improved performance: Students listening to music showed better cavity preparation quality and enhanced manual dexterity.

Increased motivation: Participants reported higher motivation to learn and practice their skills.

Enhanced communication: Classroom interactions were noted to be more fluid among students in the music group.

These findings suggest that integrating classical music into dental training programs could yield multiple benefits:

1. Create a more relaxed learning environment

2. Provide an effective tool for managing student anxiety during challenging procedures

3. Potentially enhance manual dexterity and concentration, leading to better preclinical and clinical outcomes

While further research is needed, these initial results present an intriguing avenue for innovation in dental education methodologies. As the field evolves, the integration of music may prove to be a valuable addition to the dental curriculum, potentially improving both the educational experience and the quality of care provided by future dental professionals.

It seems that Mozart, the prodigy who composed symphonies before most children learned to tie their shoes, is still captivating audiences and making a significant impact - this time in the world of dental education.

Along with the benefits stemming from the inclusion of background music in practical dental education, these studies also demonstrate that digital, such as haptics-reinforced virtual reality technologies serve as potent augmentations to conventional dental training methodologies. However, it is crucial to emphasize that these advanced tools should not be viewed as independent solutions, but rather as integral components of a comprehensive educational approach. The findings underscore the critical importance of innovative and engaging pedagogical strategies in effectively transferring knowledge to Generation Z dental students. Our research reveals that while these technologies significantly enhance learning outcomes, their efficacy is maximized when seamlessly integrated with traditional teaching methods and guided by knowledgeable educators. The synergy between cutting-edge technological tools and expert instruction creates a dynamic learning environment that addresses the unique needs and preferences of Generation Z learners. These studies contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the judicious implementation of advanced technologies in dental education. They also highlight the ongoing need for educators to continually adapt their teaching methods to leverage these tools effectively. Future cross-border research should focus on long-term outcomes and the development of best practices for integrating these technologies into dental curricula across diverse educational settings. Ultimately, our findings emphasize that the future of dental education lies not in technology alone, but in the skillful combination of innovative tools, expert educators’ knowledge, and engaging instructional techniques tailored to the evolving needs of modern learners.

Most importantly, the students’ voices on music:

https://youtu.be/49MG1DCeLmI

Students’ and educators’ voices on VR-haptics:

https://x.com/VR_H_Thinkers status/1858079574585659752

None.

No conflict of interest.

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37158644/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37964502/
3. https://jag.journalagent.com/tej/pdfs/TEJ_9_2_96_102.pdf