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Abstract

This case study describes the integration of a board-certified music therapist into two specialty dental clinics at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Initiated in collaboration with the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, the effort reflects a humanistic and biopsychosocial approach to dentistry that leverages music therapy to reduce anxiety, improve patient experience, and support better clinical outcomes.

Before implementation, monthly interdisciplinary planning meetings were held, bringing together dental faculty, research and administrative staff, and the music therapy team. These meetings built a shared understanding of each clinic’s unique patient population, workflow, and clinical priorities, while introducing how music therapy functions in healthcare settings. Through this collaborative process, the team determined where interventions could be most effective. This intentional, integrative approach helped lay the groundwork for success.

Following the planning phase, the music therapist facilitated educational sessions for clinical teams and began piloting services. Simultaneously, a working group launched a systematic literature review to better understand current practice recommendations. Early findings revealed a key gap: most studies emphasize passive music listening, with few involving board-certified music therapists as active care team members.

This article provides background on the potential of music therapy in the dental setting and includes case studies, as well as early findings from the pilot program. We offer recommendations for replication, emphasizing parallel clinical and research efforts to enhance patient experience, reduce dental anxiety, and support treatment adherence among vulnerable populations.

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