You should directly contact the people who are doing the program in Texas. UCLA and UCSF have the program too. If you contact the admissions, they may put you in touch with the people doing the program. or just contact the class presidents, they will put you in touch with them easier.
The disadvantages are:
1. Everyday, when classes are over or at lunch times, all students go have lunch, party or study; you will be heading to the lab at every opportunity that you get.
2. You won't get your dental degree till year 7 (that's how it is at ucla, i am not sure about texas).
Do make sure that you like dentistry. If you love detal research and want to get the dds degree as a back up, slow down, shadow a denist and make sure that you enjoy dentistry. Afterall, it is four years of your life. No matter what you combine with it, you will have to go to dental clinics.
Good luck!
