The Impact of Music on Stress Reduction and Academic Performance of Dental Students

Background Dental education, one of the most demanding healthcare fields, is linked to higher physical and mental illnesses in students. Stress, which arises when demands surpass an individual's ability to adapt, can lead to disruptions in cognition, mood, and behavior. Due to the intense academic pressure, dental students are susceptible to stress and other mental issues. Music therapy, an ancient practice, is now popular for stress reduction. However, its effect on academic performance is debated. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact of music on stress levels and academic performance of dental students. Methods The study included third-year dental students from the College of Dentistry, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The demographic data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The study found that music intervention reduced the perceived stress levels of dental students in the intervention group compared to the baseline but did not reach a significant level. The final stress levels were positively correlated with baseline stress levels but did not correlate with other parameters. No association between sociodemographic variables and the Perceived Stress Scale was found. The study also found no significant positive or negative effect of music on academic performance. Conclusion The study suggests that music may positively impact stress reduction for dental students during their academic years in dental school. It highlighted the significance of stress-reduction programs in the academic curriculum in lowering dentistry students' stress and, as a result, potentially improving their learning abilities.