A dental clinic ordinarily provides basic dental services, such as checkups, fillings and root canals. Patients seeking cosmetic treatments may need to go to a dental office. A dental clinic may be more likely to provide emergency after-hours care, while dental offices may be more inclined to keep traditional hours.

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.