Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of music intervention on the patient's fear and anxiety during scaling. Methods: 360 patients who had visited W University dental hygiene laboratory were selected as study subjects and divided into experiment group and control group. Results: Study results showed that the control group (71.9%) and the experimental group (75.1%) had experiences avoiding dental treatment due to fear. In the control group (37.6%) and experimental group (40.6%), the highest influencing factor was the sound of machine and followed by pain. The experimental group preferred classical music, followed by pop songs, trot music and instrumental music. In the experimental group (83.3%), fear and anxiety were alleviated by music, and 77.9% of the patients mentioned they would recommend music for scaling to other patients. There was an interaction effect (p=0.014) between the groups before and after the measurement of the lowest blood pressure. There was a significant difference in pulse before and after pulse measurement (p=0.000). There was a significant difference in respiration between groups (p=0.042) and before and after respiration (p=0.030). Conclusions: Study results showed that music intervention that utilizes music during scaling showed significant effects on the alleviation of fear and anxiety, affecting Pulse number among vital signs. Therefore, more systematic program is to be required to alleviate dental fear and anxiety with music therapy not only for scaling, but also for dental clinic in the future.