A new University of Kentucky course, developed to prepare dental students for the initial encounter and treatment of patients, is described. Offered during the second year of dental school, the course focus is on the interpersonal interactions that occur during the initial treatment of patients. The course consists of three two-hour seminars taught by two instructors to 15 students who are assigned readings on communication, listening to feelings, and talking to patients. Students also attend lectures on the personality characteristics of dentists, variables associated with demand for dental services, patient motivation, the practitioner/patient relationship and patient rights and responsibilities. The clinical situation is recreated through use of audio and video tapes that demonstrate phone calls, waiting room behavior, problems in escorting patients to the dental chair, and establishing and maintaining patient rapport. Students role play to practice strategies for handling the stress involved with the patient/doctor situation. Favorable feedback from students is reported. Instructors' methodology is applicable to clinical faculty from other departments. A seminar outline is provided. (Author/LC)