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Music Therapy During Dental Procedures in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Sponsor: University of Rochester
Summary
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities may experience behavioral distress, sensory sensitivity, and difficulty tolerating dental procedures. This pilot randomized controlled trial will compare live music therapy delivered by a board certified music therapist with recorded music during non emergency dental procedures performed under local anesthesia. Approximately 50 participants will be enrolled to obtain 40 evaluable participants randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of live music therapy and its preliminary effects on behavioral cooperation, procedural distress, physiological responses, completion of dental treatment without escalation to sedation, and procedure duration.
Official title: Music Therapy to Improve Dental Procedure Tolerance and Reduce Distress in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-09-30
Completion Date
2027-05-01
Last Updated
2026-09-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Live Music Therapy
Live music therapy will be delivered by a board certified music therapist before, during, and after the dental procedure as appropriate. Techniques may include live singing with guitar accompaniment, improvisation, music entrainment to breathing or heart rate, guided breathing synchronized with music, sung procedural cues, and participant engagement through instrument playing, singing, or vocal or instrumental improvisation. The intervention will be adapted in real time based on the participant's preferences, behavioral responses, physiological cues, and functional abilities.
Recorded Music
Prerecorded music will be delivered through a portable Bluetooth speaker positioned within the dental operatory. Music will begin before administration of local anesthesia and continue throughout the procedure unless discontinued at the participant's request. Participants may select relaxation oriented music or a preferred available genre. Volume will be adjusted for participant comfort while maintaining communication with the dental team.
Locations (1)
Eastman Institute for Oral Health Complex Care Clinic
Rochester, New York, United States