Dr. Richard J. Reed was born in Colorado and attended the University of Colorado where he earned a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Omaha where he met his wife Debbie, an artist. They moved to Joplin over 40 years ago to begin their family and open his dental practice. They are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, involved in the Catholic school system, and enjoy creating pottery and art. Dr. Reed is a member of the American Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Society, and the local Southwest Missouri Dental society.
He has been a dental provider, for over 40 years, for the Joplin residents who are less privileged and insured by Missouri Medicaid. Dr. Reed has been honored for his dental services provided to Missouri Head Start program (preschool age children) and has been included in the list of the 'Area 's Top Dentists' for the past four years.