Photos courtesy Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC).
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) is highlighting a year of significant impact for its dental program, releasing 2025 data that underscores its role as a critical safety net for the region. With 23,846 patient encounters over the past year, the clinics provided everything from routine cleanings to advanced procedures such as root canal therapy and dental implants for nearly 6,800 unique patients.
In a community with high caries (cavity) risk and non-fluoridated water, SBNC has focused heavily on preventative care to break the cycle of lifelong dental decay.
Saving Teeth and Costs
The program’s emphasis on early intervention is evidenced by the placement of 2,398 sealants in 2025. By targeting patients as young as 6 or 7 years old, SBNC effectively stops the decay process before it begins.
“A simple sealant can prevent a lifetime of invasive and expensive restorations,” said Christina Mendoza, DDS, Dental Director of SBNC.”In a high-risk area like ours, providing these services to children isn’t just about dental health; it’s about long-term financial stability for these families. It keeps kids in the classroom and ensures parents can remain productive at work without the interruption of dental pain or emergencies.”
The financial impact is substantial. SBNC completed 112 root canal treatments, saving patients thousands of dollars per tooth compared to treatment at private practices.Additionally, the clinic’s 1,093 extractions and treatment of 1,101 new emergency patients likely prevented hundreds of unnecessary and costly visits to local emergency departments.
The Mobile Clinic
SBNC’s Mobile Clinic remains a vital bridge for families facing transportation or scheduling barriers. In 2025, the mobile unit logged 4,130 total encounters and offered screenings at 27 schools and preschools across Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.The program completed 2,906 screenings and 3,406 fluoride applications, saving parents hundreds of hours of travel and wait time by providing care directly on school campuses. Beyond efficiency, the mobile unit provides a unique psychological benefit; clinic staff have noted that children often feel more comfortable receiving treatment in their familiar school setting, allowing the team to provide care to students who might otherwise have required referrals to specialists..
Training the Next Generation
The clinics also serve as a premier training ground for dental professionals.The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program graduated seven residents this year, contributing to a legacy of over 90 graduates since 2010.The program’s reputation continues to grow, drawing 40 applicants for the upcoming 2026/2027 class.
About Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics
The mission of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics is to provide compassionate, affordable, and responsive healthcare to all. For more information, visit www.sbclinics.org