University of Florida Begins Recruiting for New Study on Dental-Child Interaction Training

A multidisciplinary team based at the University of Florida is exploring the impact of Dental-Child Interaction Training (DCIT) on dental practice. To learn more about DCIT, consider signing up to participate in the study described in this article. 

Dental-Child Interaction Training (DCIT):

Mission, Purpose, and What to Expect

Working with young children can be a challenge in general dental practices. Interacting with children in a dental setting can be unpredictable. Fear, anxiety, and resistance are common, and managing those behaviors can be one of the most challenging parts of care for children. Children’s behavior, and interactions with parents and caregivers, can make the situation stressful for the dentist, dental hygienist, and all members of the dental team.

Findings from evidence-based dentistry show that the dental team’s interactions with the child are of paramount importance in creating an environment that feels warm, supportive, and appropriate for a child’s developmental level. Introducing consistent dental care early on can serve as a protective factor, helping to lower the risk of dental disease, reduce the need for restorative procedures, and minimize negative experiences in the dental setting.

Many dental providers rely on instinct or trial-and-error, typically without any formal prior training in how to interact with children and their parents and caregivers while providing dental care.

Mission

DCIT has been developed to make dental visits as positive and stress-free as possible for children, their parents and caregivers,and, importantly, dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and all who provide them with dental care.

DCIT brings evidence-based behavioral strategies into everyday dental practice in a way that is realistic and sustainable. It is not about adding more to your plate. It is about improving what you are already doing with small, intentional changes that make a big difference.

Another key part of the mission is building provider confidence. Many dental professionals have had little to no formal training in managing child behavior. DCIT fills that gap with structured, hands-on learning that focuses on what works in a clinical setting.

Purpose

The purpose of DCIT is to provide training for dental providers with clear, effective communication tools they can utilize immediately to guide child behavior in a positive, supportive way. Instead of reacting to distress, DCIT helps providers prevent it. The result is more efficient appointments, less frustration, and better experiences for both the child (and their parents/caregivers) and the dental team.

Ultimately, DCIT supports better oral health outcomes by helping children tolerate and even feel comfortable during dental care, reducing the need for referrals to pediatric dental offices, or more invasive or pharmacologic approaches.

What to Expect

DCIT training is designed to be straightforward, engaging, and immediately useful. The training typically takes place in a workshop format and includes a mix of learning, demonstration, and hands-on real time practice.

Learn the “Why” Behind Behavior - You will gain a basic understanding of why children behave the way they do in the dental chair. This is not heavy theory. It is just enough to help you recognize patterns and respond more effectively in the moment.

Learn Specific, Easy-to-Use Skills - DCIT focuses on a small set of clear, practical techniques that can be used during routine care. These include how to give effective instructions, use praise strategically, and respond to both cooperative and uncooperative behavior in ways that actually shape future behavior.

See It in Action - You will see examples of these skills being used in realistic dental scenarios that have been filmed. These vignettes help connect the dots between learning a concept and using it during a busy clinical day.

Learn Skills in an Encouraging, Low-Pressure Setting - Participants will have the opportunity to practice skills through guided activities and role-play. This is where things start to click. You can try it, adjust it, and get feedback before using it with patients.

Apply It Right Away - DCIT is designed for immediate use. These are not long-term theories you have to figure out later. Most providers report they start using the skills the very next day.

Why It Matters - When children have better experiences in the dental chair, everything improves. Appointments run more smoothly. Providers feel less stressed and children are more likely to develop positive, long-term attitudes toward oral healthcare. DCIT is about making those outcomes more consistent and more achievable, without adding unnecessary complexity to your day.

Who Provides the Training? -DCIT training is provided by an interdisciplinary team of clinical and clinical child psychologists, developmental psychologists, pediatric dentists, and dental hygienists. Every workshop is led by at least one dental professional and one psychologist.  Those providing leadership for DCIT include:

• Dr. Daniel W. McNeil, Parker E. Mahan Endowed Professor and Chair

Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science

College of Dentistry, University of Florida

• Dr. Cheryl B. McNeil, Research Professor

Department of Psychiatry

College of Medicine, University of Florida

• Dr. Kimon Divaris

James W. Bawden Distinguished Professor

Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry & Dental Public Health

Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Dr. Lauren B. Quetsch

Associate Professor

Department of Psychological Science

University of Arkansas

• Dr. Christa Lilly

Professor

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics 
School of Public Health, West Virginia University

• Mary Lynne Davis, CRDH

DCIT Research Coordinator

Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science

College of Dentistry, University of Florida

What Does DCIT Training Include?

• One full day of experiential, engaging, and impactful workshop training (not just slides!)
• 8 hours of CERP CE at no cost
• In-office data collection,  assessment, and consultation before and after the training workshop
• Follow-up 3 months after the last office visit for you to share how DCIT has impacted your practice

Why is the Training at No Cost? – This CE is part of a research study that is funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to provide the data to support its widespread implementation in professional training programs. 

Who Can Be Involved in DCIT CE? - It is encouraged that all members of the dental team (e.g., dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front office staff) participate in the training together, so as to provide a unified approach to working with children in the practice.

How Can I Get More Information and Get Involved in DCIT? – Contact Mary Lynne Davis, CRDH at Mdavis@dental.ufl.edu or 352-222-7034 OR, to get more information to be emailed or mailed to you, provide your contact details here: