Chattanooga, TN – Dr. Riley H. Lunn is being recognized a Lifetime Achiever in Leadership in TMJ and Craniofacial Pain Care.
Dr. Riley H. Lunn has dedicated more than 55 years to advancing the field of dentistry, earning international recognition for his pioneering work in the conservative, non surgical diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and craniofacial pain. As the owner of his Chattanooga, Tennessee dental practice, he has helped thousands of patients find lasting relief from chronic jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, and related disorders through ethical, patient centered care.
Serving patients throughout Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and the surrounding southeastern United States, Dr. Lunn’s practice is devoted primarily to TMJ disorders and craniofacial pain. Today, approximately 90 to 95 percent of his clinical work focuses on providing conservative, non surgical therapies designed to restore comfort, improve function, and enhance quality of life while avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures whenever possible.
Dr. Lunn began his academic journey at Western Kentucky College before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Pre Dental Studies from Florida State University. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and completed a rotating dental internship at St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is also certified in Obstructive Sleep Airway therapy, further expanding his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of complex oral and craniofacial conditions.
Widely recognized as a pioneer in TMJ research and education, Dr. Lunn founded CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice in 1982. Serving as its Chief Editor for 39 years, he helped transform the publication into the world’s largest journal dedicated to TMJ and sleep related disorders, reaching more than 5,000 subscribers within its first two years. His contributions as an author and editor significantly advanced professional understanding of craniofacial pain and conservative treatment approaches before the journal was ultimately acquired by Taylor and Francis.
Beyond his editorial accomplishments, Dr. Lunn has lectured extensively throughout Asia, Central America, South America, and North America, sharing his expertise with dental professionals around the world. His leadership and dedication to education have influenced generations of clinicians seeking effective, evidence based treatment strategies for chronic orofacial pain.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Lunn has remained actively involved with numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, American Equilibration Society, Chattanooga Area Dental Society, East Tennessee Dental Association, and the University of Tennessee Alumni Board of Trustees. His many honors include the Outstanding Alumnus Award and Distinguished Service Award from the University of Tennessee Alumni Association, Outstanding Young Man of the Year, the Academy of General Dentistry’s Best Table Clinic Award, and Fellowship recognition for his professional contributions.
As he considers the transition toward retirement, Dr. Lunn takes pride in a career defined by innovation, education, and compassionate patient care. Guided by the mentorship of Dr. Bill Farrar, Dr. Parker Mahan, and Mariano Rocabado, MPT, he remains committed to the philosophy that conservative, collaborative care offers the best opportunity to relieve chronic pain, restore function, and improve the lives of every patient he serves.
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