Auditory Stimuli and Performance Outcomes in Simulation-Based Dental Education: A Randomised Repeated-Measures Study


KÜDEN C., KARAKAŞ S. N., BATMAZ S. G., VAR E., ÇAM Y., PEKTAŞ E.

International Endodontic Journal, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/iej.70118
  • Dergi Adı: International Endodontic Journal
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: auditory, education, Mozart, performance, simulation
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of auditory stimuli on performance scores and anxiety levels during endodontic treatment procedures conducted on artificial molar teeth in a simulation laboratory setting. Methodology: This single-blinded, randomised repeated-measures study was conducted with 105 third-year dental students. Participants were allocated into three groups: Mozart's music (Group M), no music (Group N), and individually selected music (Group I). Each group performed root canal treatments on artificial molars in two phases: a quiet environment for all groups in Phase 1 and under different auditory conditions in Phase 2. Anxiety levels (measured using the STAI-S) before and after each procedure, performance scores, and procedure times were recorded. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, and Fleiss' multi-rater kappa (α = 0.05). Results: Group I2 demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety levels (p = 0.006) and an improvement in performance scores (p < 0.001) between phases. Group M2 showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels (p < 0.001) but no significant performance change. Group N showed no significant changes between phases (p > 0.05). The overall inter-rater agreement was almost perfect (Kappa = 0.824, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Auditory stimuli, particularly individually selected music, were associated with improved performance scores and reduced anxiety during preclinical endodontic training. These findings suggest the integration of personalised auditory interventions as a feasible strategy to enhance simulation-based dental education.