The fundamental purpose of this thesis is to examine the function of humor and it’s effect on mental health as well as its role in interpersonal communication and the advantage it provides to an individual’s overall well being. The effects of humor may be both psychological (e.g. positively influence mood and emotions) as well as physiological (e.g. immunological and endocrinological). This thesis begins by defining humor, exploring and investigating the forms of humor and how humor can be applied to both the physical and emotional state. Furthermore, it illuminates the potential benefits that humor has not just on mental health, but also in individuals afflicted by various mental illnesses, students whom are studying in their final year of dental school, and the elderly whom are suffering as a result of dementia.