It is better than nothing, and the smell is actually a good indicator. Cleanliness is a K-selected trait, and the K-selected are very, very careful in regards to who they mate with. If the snatch smells like a rotted catch of fish it is probably best to not stick your winky into that. If, on the other hand, it smells faintly of roses you're
probably gonna be OK.
If you're a girl, the "dick check" works in similar ways. Only it's a bit easier as the winky stands before you in all its glory. It isn't really hiding anything if ya catch my drift. It is well and fully "external" in every way. The snatch has a surface, you'll need tools and/or fingers to dive into the "depths" to get the whole picture there. Smell still matters though. Again, the ones who keep clean tend to be wary in regards to whom they allow themselves to indulge in carnality with. That or they're just a down right considerate person. Either way, the cleaner the better
.