Dr. Richard Barnes

The CDA Foundation’s board of directors plays an important role. The board’s guidance leads ongoing efforts to support dental professionals, reduce barriers to care and improve Californians’ oral health. Today, get to know Richard W. Barnes, DDS, a member of the board.

A graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Dr. Barnes has been caring for patients in Tulare and Kings counties for more than 20 years. He became involved with CDA Foundation initially as a volunteer at CDA Cares events.

“I loved the feel-good feelings everyone had there,” Barnes says of his first experience treating patients at CDA Cares. That first time volunteering turned into many more, leading Barnes to the leadership position he holds today. “It’s great to make a difference in people’s lives,” he adds with a smile.

One experience stands out in Barnes’ memory when he recalls volunteering at CDA Cares. He was providing treatment for one very frightened patient who needed an extraction, and he had worked hard to make sure the patient was comfortable. “She asked when I was going to start, and I was done already,” Barnes laughs. “The gratitude she had and relief she felt because someone cared about her was palpable.”

Like many CDA members with a vested interest in the well-being of their community, Barnes’ volunteer efforts extend beyond the Foundation. Some of his service roles include president of the Donald E Wahlen Youth Foundation, president of CASA of Tulare County and board member of the CDA Political Action Committee.

When asked what he’d like his peers to know about getting involved with the Foundation, Barnes replied, “Using our talents to help others is a gift more for us than it is for the person we are helping. We have a very unique skill set and giving someone a hand up may mean the world to them.”