Strictly speaking, a dental clinic is a facility where dentists and dental staff provide care. But you'll often hear the term used to mean a place where dental services are available at a lower cost than at a private practice. Dental clinics also frequently serve an educational purpose.

Dental clinics focus on patient education to prevent disease and provide treatment options for the same procedures offered in general and (some) specialty practices. A clinic houses all dental equipment and tools in one place and is staffed by dentists, dental specialists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists.