Evaluation of the effect of Mozart’s music on stress, anxiety, and dexterity levels of dental students in preclinical endodontic training using a haptic virtual reality simulator

Objectives: The transition period from theoretical education to the preclinical stage, which contains new educational models, poses challenges. Thus, this study aimed to assess the stress and anxiety levels of 3rd-year students in preclinical training along with their success rates under the background of Mozart's music using a haptic virtual reality simulator (HVRS). Materials and Methods Sixty 3rd-year dentistry students enrolled in preclinical endodontic training were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Participated students were randomly divided into two groups according to whether Mozart’s music was used as background music in the access cavity preparation of mandibular canine using HVRS. Stress and anxiety levels were evaluated with the Stress-VAS 1 and 2 scales and STAI S and T questionnaires, respectively. Manual dexterity was also measured based on the following parameters: target progress, accuracy, target volume, and outside volume. Data were analyzed with Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests and the square of the Spearman linear coefficient. Results There was no statistically significant difference between genders regarding stress and anxiety levels (p > 0.05). Mozart’s music significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels and enhanced manual dexterity (p < 0.05). A significant negative association was observed between the target progress Stress-VAS 2 (p  0.05). Conclusion The background Mozart's music positively affected stress and anxiety levels along with the manual dexterity of dentistry students in preclinical endodontic training using HVRS. Clinical Significance: Music therapy can be considered as a quality-improved element of preclinical endodontic training.