Psychotherapeutic Effect of Listening to Quran Recitation on Dental Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the psychotherapeutic effects of listening to Quran recitation on the perception of discomfort and fear in patients undergoing dental treatment. Methods: This research was designed as a randomized controlled trial in which 30 participants (20 females and 10 males) were assigned randomly to either an experimental (Quran listening) or a control group. Fear and discomfort were assessed before, during, and after the treatment session using a questionnaire specifically prepared for the study and based on the Dental Anxiety Scale. Results: The differences in the outcome variables were not statistically significant between the two groups, except for fear perception prior to the local anesthetic injection (P = 0.02). The decrease in mean ranks of fear and discomfort perception in the Quran listening group was statistically significant (P = 0.003 and 0.021 for fear and discomfort, respectively). Conclusion: Listening to Quran recitation during dental appointments can help to decrease patients' fear and, consequently, their discomfort.