Dr Richard Downing

Dr. Downing is a 2001 graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry and owned practices in Shelton, Tumwater, and Chehalis, Washington. During his time in Shelton/Chehalis, he played an instrumental role in establishing a clinic that provides free dental services to the residents of Mason County. For ten consecutive years, he also sponsored a free day of dentistry in his office, seeing an average of over 100 patients and performing free dental services for the local community. Dr. Downing grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. Having worked on a long-liner fishing boat in Alaska, as a roofer on the Kingdome project, and as a general construction laborer, Dr. Downing understands the value of a hard day’s work. Dr. Downing’s priority is to offer world-class service that is technologically advanced, comfortable, and value conscience. Dr. Downing cherishes spending time with his wife (Michelle) and three young children (7-year-old Archer, 10-year-old Forrest, and 14-year-old Hunter). They enjoy the Cub Scouts, camping, hiking, fishing, and traveling. He finds profound fulfillment in enhancing the health and happiness of his patients through quality sleep solutions and provides personalized guidance throughout the treatment journey. With over two decades of success in dentistry, he found his calling in dental sleep medicine, inspired by his personal experience with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He has invested significantly in professional development, gaining comprehensive training in dental sleep medicine, and achieved the status of qualified dentist by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), preparing for the Diplomate exam. He is an active member of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He also worked as adjunct faculty in the Department of Oral Medicine at the University of Washington and assumed current responsibility as the president of the Thurston Mason County Dental Society. He enjoys working as a volunteer dentist with the Union Gospel Mission and is a co-founder of the Carr-Downing Smiling D.D.S Scholarship.