Our Team

Dr. Carley, DMD – Family Dentist

 Bringing bright smiles and providing long-term quality and affordable dental services to Santa Barbara and Goleta area has always been the mission and vision of the dental office of Michael D. Carley, DDS.. Dr. Carley has been offering comprehensive dentistry services since 2005, and has been the owner of his Santa Barbara practice since 2008. From general dentistry treatments utilizing digital technologies to cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry procedures and advanced implant dentistry services, his office promotes optimum oral health with a personalized touch.

Dr. Carley studied dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco, where he was awarded the Oral Medicine Certificate of Merit; this is a testament to his unparalleled knowledge and skills in dentistry and oral medicine. Following graduation, he took an extra year of training in a general practice residency, and expanded his knowledge in the following subspecialties:

• Implant dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthetic dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry

Dr. Carley is a proud member of these organizations:

• Academy of General Dentistry
• International Congress of Oral Implantology
• Aeromedicos
• Clinicians Research
• Santa Barbara Study Club
• Seattle Study Club
• Goleta Study Club
• CEF International

Meet James P. Schaeffer, DDS

CA Dental License #43855
 

Dr. Schaeffer graduated with honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1996. He and his wife Lisa moved to Santa Barbara to work with his father-in-law, Dr. Gregory Patchett. When Dr. Patchett retired, Dr. Schaeffer became the owner of the practice originally located on Micheltorena Street. Over the years various business opportunities lead him to practice in several offices in Santa Barbara, Oxnard and Ventura. Joining Mountain and Sea Dental allows him to avoid the always challenging commute.

In his 25+ years as a dentist, he has attended numerous graduate education programs and has earned certificates in CAD/CAM dentistry from Patterson Dental, endodontics from Dental Education Labs, as well as implant dentistry from the Misch International Implant Institute.

He strongly believes in giving back to the community and has volunteered with the California Dental Association Cares programs as well as with the US Navy aboard the USNS Comfort on its 2018 Humanitarian Mission to South America.

Outside of the dental field Dr. Schaeffer is a big sports fan and roots relentlessly for the San Francisco 49ers and Giants. He might also be found on the pitch as a volunteer referee for AYSO soccer or out on the golf course trying not to lose his Titleist.

Meet Gregory Thurston, DDS 

Dr. Gregory Thurston is a dedicated biologic dentist and a proud graduate of UCLA School of Dentistry, where he earned his degree in 2012. Prior to his dental career, Dr. Thurston was an engineer, graduating from UC Davis in 2003 and contributing his expertise at Boeing’s Delta Launch operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Following dental school, Dr. Thurston served as an associate dentist while also teaching dental students at the UCLA School of Dentistry from 2012 to 2014 at the Venice Dental Center. In 2020, he founded his own practice in San Luis Obispo, where he embraced the principles of holistic and biologic dentistry, focusing on minimally invasive care and expanding biologic treatment options for patients.

Today, Dr. Thurston practices at Mountain & Sea Dental in Santa Barbara, where he offers advanced treatments such as ozone therapy and safe amalgam removal. His approach integrates cutting-edge digital dentistry with a commitment to biologic principles, ensuring patients receive natural, effective, whole-body–minded care.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Thurston is passionate about whole-food nutrition, fitness, and the outdoors. An avid swimmer since college, he values the balance between physical well-being and professional care. He is also a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation, reflecting his dedication to ancestral nutrition and holistic health.

Dr. Thurston looks forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health with compassion, expertise, and a biologic philosophy rooted in prevention, integrity, and whole-body healing