SAN DIEGO -- Dental patient Ryan Miller is ready for a root canal, but will he also be ready to hear the results of an HIV test every time he visits the dentist?

"Yes. It's very convenient," said Miller.

Dentist Dr. Rod Strober is considering being one of the first dentists in San Diego to offer an HIV test at his Hillcrest office.

"We see our patients twice a year, every six months, more so than a physician one every two years," said Strober.

There are approximately 18,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in San Diego County, and nearly 900,000 nationwide.

"It's one more way to get a diagnosis for the patient so they can be aware. There's a lot of patients who walk around and don't even know they have been exposed to the virus," said Strober.

Strober also said the immediacy of the test is key because a good number of people who get tested never return for the results.

"By giving them a test that can give you results in 20 minutes where they sit and wait, then they are more likely to get diagnosed and chance their behavior," said Strober.

When asked if a dentist can be ready to give a patient news of a positive diagnosis, Strober said, "I think that that dentist has to be sympathetic to those patients' needs and also have a lot of background training with HIV specialists in the area."

It is a liability Strober said he is prepared to take on so patients under his watch will get a clean bill of health, along with a free toothbrush and floss.

Strober said he will hopefully start carrying the testing supplies soon.

Experts recommend dental patients check with their dentists to see if they are considering offering HIV testing.