About / Dr. Richard B. Dunn

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
Dr. Richard B. Dunn in his Chemung Family Dental coat
Dr. Richard B. DunnFounder and lead dentist, Chemung Family Dental
1980DDS, New York University College of Dentistry
1984Placed his first dental implant
1988Began caring for Elmira families
2002Fellow, American College of Dentists
The Chemung Family Dental team waving beside the office sign and red tulips on Broadway in Elmira

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.

A father and son flossing their teeth together
01

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.

A woman with silver hair smiling confidently
02

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.

A woman sleeping peacefully
03

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
ABDSM Diplomate and Director
A woman holding her cheek with tooth pain
04

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.

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

★★★★★4.9 out of 5 from 440+ Google reviews

Dr Dunn is an exceptional dentist who takes the time to explain things and does top notch dental work.

★★★★★Jeff B.Google review
★★★★★

Dr Dunn called me back the same day and explained everything to me in easy to understand language. I highly recommend this practice.

Tony E.Google review
★★★★★

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.

Janet T.Google review
★★★★★

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!

Jean F.Google review
★★★★★

The staff, Jessica and Dr. Dunn listened to my wants and needs attentively and explained options very clearly.

Tony H.Google review

Questions

Questions about Dr. Dunn

What patients ask before their first visit.

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.

Chemung Family Dental, a gray cape-style house with a front lawn and sign at 1007 Broadway St in Elmira
Between Carter and Leland, across from Broadway Academy

Visit us

Come see us on Broadway

Book with Dr. Dunn

New patients, second opinions, implant and sleep apnea consultations. Book online or call.

Scroll to Top