A University of Rochester team is using an AI-powered virtual patient named SOPHIE to help dentists improve their communication skills, build trust, and better address patients' fears and concerns. The research, published in the Journal of Dental Education, comes from a collaboration between the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) and the university’s Department of Computer Science. SOPHIE is an interactive platform that uses a 3D virtual character capable of seeing, listening, and responding in real time to a dentist’s dialogue. Originally developed to assist physicians in difficult conversations with seriously ill patients, the technology is now being adapted for dental education. Traditionally, dental and other health professions have used trained actors, known as standardized patients, to help trainees practice communication skills. While effective, this method can be resource-intensive, making it challenging to offer repeated practice opportunities. SOPHIE, however, can be accessed through a web browser, allowing trainees to practice anytime and repeat scenarios as needed. This is especially important for mastering complex skills like recognizing anxiety, active listening, showing empathy, and involving patients in their care decisions—skills that can be difficult to perfect in real-life settings. The training program is based on the "three E's": Empower, Empathy, and Explicit. It encourages clinicians to involve patients in their care, show empathy, and communicate clearly. Residents can experiment with different communication strategies, receive feedback, and refine their approach. The platform also considers how cultural differences and language barriers can affect how patients interact with their providers. Trainees have reported feeling more confident in handling difficult conversations, and AI-generated data suggests improvements in how they balance conversations and use open-ended questions. This collaboration highlights the university's focus on "Team Science," where experts from different fields combine their knowledge to solve complex problems. The project involved researchers from the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, the Department of Computer Science, and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. The SOPHIE project has shown promise in enhancing communication training for dental residents, offering a scalable, practical, and meaningful learning experience. According to EIOH educators, the ultimate goal of this technology is not just to improve dental care, but to ensure that patients are treated with care and respect.