## 5 Discussion
The following table summarizes practical soundproofing options, indicating where they can be applied within the dental office, their relative cost implications, and suggested priority based on their impact on noise reduction and patient experience (Table 3). When planning acoustic interventions in dental clinics, priority should be given to areas where noise most affects patient and staff experience, like operatories, waiting rooms, and staff areas [100; 101]. High-impact surfaces such as walls and ceilings benefit from sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, and specialized gypsum boards to reduce reverberation [5]. Flooring options like rubberized vinyl or carpet tiles help reduce impact noise, while doors and windows should be sealed or upgraded to acoustic-rated models to prevent sound leakage [93; 102; 103]. Additionally, zoning noisy functions (e.g., sterilization, equipment rooms) away from quiet zones and implementing sound-masking systems are cost-effective strategies that enhance speech privacy and comfort [101; 103]. Low-cost solutions, such as soft furnishings and portable absorbers, can complement higher-cost interventions like structural wall insulation, which provide long-term benefits [94; 101]. Moreover, biophilic and sustainable materials, including natural fiber panels and 3D-printed porous absorbers, further support these goals while aligning with ecological and patient-centered principles [92]. Collectively, these strategies reinforce the role of holistic acoustic planning in modern, therapeutic, and environmentally responsible dental architecture [92; 94]. In addition, we should mention that dental noise levels typically range from 47.5 to 80.8 dB(A), with high-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and suction devices being the primary sources of discomfort for patients and staff [5; 93]. Although newer equipment has reduced noise from earlier peaks over 90 dB(A), exposure above 70 dB(A) remains common and problematic [102]. Adopting recommended acoustic standards, such as reverberation times (RT60) of 0.4-0.6 s and background sound levels below 45 dB(A) in treatment areas, can improve communication, comfort, and perceived care quality [94; 101; 103]. Crucially, as we can report from the findings in this study, the emerging frontier in healthcare and dental design lies in adaptive and personalized soundscapes [92]. Recent research highlights how AI-integrated acoustic systems can dynamically adjust the auditory environment in response to patient-specific needs, reducing sensory overload for neurodivergent individuals, providing calming background tones for anxious adults, or incorporating gamified, interactive cues to ease pediatric procedures [85; 93; 104]. These intelligent sound environments will not only enhance patient comfort but also improve communication, reduce staff fatigue, and support procedural efficiency. They align with broader biomimetic and responsive design movements that draw inspiration from nature's feedback systems, aiming to create \"healing ecosystems\" where architecture, sound, light, and user behavior are in continuous dialogue [85; 106; 107]. Such innovations represent a paradigm shift from static clinical settings to dynamic, emotionally attuned environments that actively support health and well-being [38; 71; 85; 93]. At the systems level, interdisciplinarity is not merely encouraged; it is essential. Collaboration among architects, clinicians, environmental psychologists, and engineers must guide both the design of new dental facilities and the retrofitting of existing ones to meet contemporary standards of sensory and psychological care [19; 27; 106]. Such collaborative efforts ensure that acoustic strategies are not treated as afterthoughts but are integrated from the earliest planning stages. Furthermore, design frameworks must evolve to treat acoustic quality as a core determinant of health, aligning with hygiene, lighting, and ergonomic principles [43; 68].