Introducing Our Monthly Mobile Dental Clinic

Dr. Matt Carmody began collaborating with Doctors Without Walls (DWW) in June 2022 after connecting with a local nurse practitioner from Cottage Hospital who volunteered with the organization. Initially, Dr. Carmody contributed his expertise by attending DWW’s Park Clinics at Alameda Park twice a month, providing oral examinations and, when necessary, performing extractions. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible dental care among the unsheltered community, Dr. Carmody partnered with DWW to establish the Mobile Dental Clinic. 

Planning for the clinic began in early 2024, culminating in its inaugural event at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Santa Barbara on October 12, 2024. The Mobile Dental Clinic now operates on the second Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, staffed by Dr. Carmody, his dental assistant, and the dedicated DWW team. The clinic offers a range of services, including dental exams, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and referrals for more complex treatments that cannot be addressed on-site. 

All services are provided at no cost to patients, reflecting DWW’s commitment to holistic care and supporting the unsheltered population. Patients are encouraged to arrive as early as 8:45 AM to secure a spot, as care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The Mobile Dental Clinic is a testament to Dr. Carmody’s dedication to meeting a critical need and making a lasting impact in our community.

Dr. Matthew Carmody, Dental Clinic Director

Dr. Matthew Carmody, a Seattle native, pursued his dental education at the University of Washington School of Dentistry after earning his undergraduate degree from Washington State University. During his time here, he focused on dental anxiety, working at the Dental Fears Clinic in Seattle, and later expanded his expertise at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, focusing on oral health care for cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Dr. Carmody continued his career at a rural community health center, where he became proficient in orthodontics (braces) and endodontics (root canals).

Now, Dr. Carmody’s passion lies in complex dental cases under IV sedation and wisdom tooth extractions. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Carmody ensures clear communication and compassionate care for his patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Carmody enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife, Jani, and their rescue dogs, Bob and Mabel.

Avery Zinner, Specialty Clinics Coordinator

Avery was raised in Orange County, CA where he witnessed loved ones face barriers to healthcare and developed a passion for healthcare advocacy. In high school, he began research into the housing and medical crisis in his community while participating in mutual aid efforts and learning Spanish to better serve his Hispanic neighbors.

Pursuing a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Cultural Anthropology, Avery became involved in the UCSB community as a campus science tutor, a member of student medical groups, and a grassroots advocate for labor rights and health equity. Continuing this cultural education and advocacy abroad, Avery studied in Santiago for six months where he conducted biological and anthropological research alongside Chilean peers while continuing to advance activist and community service causes. Within Santa Barbara County, Avery worked to produce and distribute health and labor education materials to underserved populations. He spent two years advocating for patients while working at an orthopedic surgery practice and continues this mission today as a dermatological surgery medical assistant.

Avery joined DWW as a Parks scribe, learning from patients and providers about the healthcare gaps confronting our unhoused neighbors. He went on to launch DWW Specialty Clinics to focus on long-term care by medical specialists empowered by dedicated teams and supplies. Avery hopes that these free clinics can meaningfully break down barriers to dental, dermatological, and optometric access in the Santa Barbara community by the end of the program’s first year.

In his free time, Avery enjoys gardening, running, and sharing new experiences with friends and family.

specialtyclinics@sbdww.org