AI helps dentists practice the conversations that matter

A University of Rochester collaboration is utilizing an AI-powered virtual patient named SOPHIE to assist dentists in improving their communication skills, building trust, and better addressing patients' fears and concerns. The technology was originally developed to help physicians manage difficult conversations with patients facing serious illnesses.

For many patients, a dental chair visit can be stressful even before treatment begins. Shasha Cui, assistant professor at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, explains that factors like anxiety, uncertainty about procedures, or misconceptions about treatment can significantly impact a patient's experience. The collaboration between Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) and the University's Department of Computer Science aims to provide a safe environment where clinicians can repeatedly practice the communication skills patients rely on without the pressure of a real clinical encounter.

The SOPHIE platform uses a 3D virtual character that can see, listen to, and respond to clinicians in real time. The approach is effective but requires fewer resources compared to using trained actors. The training focuses on the "three E's": Empower, Empathy, and Explicit, encouraging clinicians to involve patients in their care, demonstrate empathy, and communicate information clearly.

Residents participating in the pilot program reported increased confidence in handling challenging patient conversations and appreciated the ability to practice repeatedly in a low-stakes setting. AI-generated measures indicated improvements in conversational balance and the use of open-ended questions. This interdisciplinary collaboration exemplifies the University of Rochester's emphasis on Team Science, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle complex problems effectively.