This means that the primary examination--a process that might take 45 minutes at a private dentist's office--is slated to last three hours at the clinic, according to Julius T. Park, a third year student at SDM.

Rather than simply asking patients to fill out a short form and answer a few simple questions, dentists at the clinic typically review medical history for around one hour, Sobel says. X-rays and a full oral examination are also a part of every initial exam.

But Sobel claims the time lag is one of the clinic's strengths as well as its weaknesses.

The more exhaustive procedure, Sobel says, often allows the doctors at the clinic to catch problems that might be overlooked in a shorter exam.

"The economics of time in a regular practice may preclude such a complete examination," Sobel says.

Park , who has worked in the clinic since early fall, says treatment at the clinic compares favorably to his experience in the world of private dentists. "You definitely get really good quality care which you normally wouldn't get at any place other than a teaching practice," Park says.

A Calculated Risk

The inexperience of the students who work at teaching clinics has historically made many wary of such clinics.