Meet your dentist
Dr. Richard B. Dunn, DDS, FACD
Dr. Richard B. Dunn is the founder and lead dentist of Chemung Family Dental in Elmira, NY. He has cared for Elmira families since 1988, has placed and restored dental implants since 1984, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, serving on its Board of Directors.
- Elmira since 1988
- Implants since 1984
- ABDSM Diplomate
- ★★★★★4.9 from 440+ Google reviews
- New patients welcome


How he practices
The long answer, not the fast one
For nearly four decades, Dr. Dunn has been the dentist Elmira families call when they want someone to sit down and explain.
He shows you the x-ray. He answers the question you actually asked. He tells you what needs attention now and, just as readily, what can safely wait. And after a procedure, do not be surprised by an evening phone call to see how you are healing.
Born and raised in the Southern Tier, he has cared for three generations of some local families.
“I want every patient to know that anything is possible if you’re determined and patient.”
Clinical focus
What Dr. Dunn focuses on
Four areas where his training makes the biggest difference for patients.

Family and general dentistry
Exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and gum care for every age. Dr. Dunn is known for conservative recommendations: catching problems early, watching what can be watched, and explaining every option clearly.

Dental implants
Dr. Dunn placed his first dental implant in 1984, long before most dentists offered them. Today implant surgery is performed in our office by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Nicholas Petti, and Dr. Dunn plans the case and places the final crown, bridge, or denture.
One team, one office, from consultation to the finished tooth.
- Free implant consultation
- Surgery and restoration under one roof
- How implants work here

Dental sleep medicine
Dr. Dunn is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and serves on its Board of Directors. He has lectured locally and nationally on dental sleep medicine and co-authored research published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP, he fits custom oral appliances, works alongside the patient’s sleep physician, and confirms results with follow-up testing.
- Billed to medical insurance; Medicare accepted for medically necessary appliances
- Free sleep apnea consultation
- Sleep apnea treatment

TMJ and bite problems
Dr. Dunn completed a year-long fellowship in medical competency for TMD and sleep dentistry. Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and worn teeth get a careful look at the joint, the muscles, and the bite before any treatment is recommended.
- Custom night guards
- Bite adjustments
- TMJ and night guards
Education and training
Credentials, in order
- 1976B.A. in Biology, Franklin & Marshall College
- 1977M.S., Head and Neck Cancer, Roswell Park Memorial Institute
- 1980DDS, New York University College of Dentistry
- 1980Commissioned officer, U.S. Public Health Service, through 1982
- 1984Placed his first dental implant
- 1988Began practicing in Elmira, NY
- 2002Fellow, American College of Dentists
- TodayDiplomate and member of the Board of Directors, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Memberships and leadership
Active in the profession
- American Dental Association
- New York State Dental Association
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- American Thoracic Society
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Academy of Osseointegration
- Pierre Fauchard Academy
- Past President, Sixth District Dental Society of the State of New York
- Past President, Chemung County Dental Society
- Director, Southern Tier Implant Study Club
- Co-author, research in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society
Patient stories
What patients say about Dr. Dunn
Dr Dunn is an exceptional dentist who takes the time to explain things and does top notch dental work.
Dr Dunn called me back the same day and explained everything to me in easy to understand language. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr. Dunn gave me back my smile. I am so happy with his work, just what I asked for. A relaxing atmosphere with gentle dentistry.
So glad I was referred here by a friend, as I was petrified of going to the dentist. Dr. Dunn is amazing, and you couldn’t ask for better staff!
The staff, Jessica and Dr. Dunn listened to my wants and needs attentively and explained options very clearly.
Is Dr. Dunn accepting new patients?
Yes. Book online or call (607) 734-2045. New patients see Dr. Dunn for their exam and treatment plan.
What are Dr. Dunn’s credentials?
Dr. Dunn earned his DDS at New York University College of Dentistry in 1980, served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, and has practiced in Elmira since 1988. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, where he also serves on the Board of Directors.
Does Dr. Dunn treat sleep apnea?
Yes. For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea by a physician, Dr. Dunn fits custom oral appliances as an alternative to CPAP and confirms they work with follow-up testing. Sleep apnea treatment.
Does Dr. Dunn do dental implants?
Yes. Dr. Dunn has placed and restored implants since 1984. Today implant surgery is performed in our office by board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Nicholas Petti, and Dr. Dunn designs and places the final restoration, so one team handles the whole process. Dental implants.
Can I get a second opinion from Dr. Dunn?
Yes. Bring any treatment plan or x-rays you have, and Dr. Dunn will tell you honestly what he sees, including what can safely wait.
Will Dr. Dunn call me after my procedure?
Often, yes. Dr. Dunn is known for calling patients in the evening after a procedure to see how they are healing.
Visit us
Come see us on Broadway
- 1007 Broadway St, Elmira, NY 14904Get directions
- Monday to Wednesday, 7am to 4pmThursday, 7am to 2pm. Closed Friday to Sunday.
Book with Dr. Dunn
New patients, second opinions, implant and sleep apnea consultations. Book online or call.