Music Therapy During Dental Procedures in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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.