Transformation of the university educational space through Musical Flow on undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study

Abstract


 Dental students are subjected to high levels of stress and anxiety. Music has been used in various fields to improve attention and performance in students. The aim of this pilot study was to test how the incorporation of Musical Flow project into clinical activity can control anxiety levels, improving the educational experience during the dental practice of undergraduate dental students. 119 students with different nationalities in 5th year of dentistry were included and divided into two groups: group I (n=63) listened to music; group II (n=56) did not listen to any type of music and acted as a control. Using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a questionnaire filled in by the students, we recorded their degree of pre- and post-operative anxiety and the influence of music during their clinical practice. 86% considered music as useful tool to decrease their anxiety; for 89% it could improve their clinical practice. Group I experienced a decrease in anxiety according to VAS of 1.76 points; group II of 0.85 points. COVID-19 increased students' anxiety by 58%. The incorporation of the Musical Flow during clinical practice may decrease their level of anxiety, improving the development of their clinical activity.