Digital Dentistry: Engaging families with virtual agents
Collaborative Endeavors Podcast: Season 4, Episode 8
Episode Summary
Establishing consistent oral hygiene habits in young children can be challenging, yet early childhood is a critical period for preventing long-term dental issues. Enter IVORY—an innovative technology designed to support caregivers in developing their child’s oral hygiene habits. Short for ImproVing Oral health using Relatable virtual agents for parents of Young children, IVORY leverages evidence based behavioral health, user-centered design, and artificial intelligence to simulate real conversations between families and virtual agents, making oral health education both engaging and accessible.
Supported by a UIC Center for Clinical and Translational Science pilot award, the project team’s expertise spans dentistry, computer science, and public health to ensure that IVORY is both scientifically sound and relatable for families. The team shares insights into the development process, the surprising role a mother-daughter duo played in its inception, as well as the challenges of translating health education into sustained behavioral change.
As IVORY continues to evolve, researchers are also considering its potential applications beyond oral health, including childhood nutrition and chronic disease management. How do virtual agents foster meaningful interactions with caregivers? What factors contribute to long-term engagement with this technology? Listen to the full episode to hear the team’s latest findings and future directions for IVORY.