A switching device includes a first dielectric material formed overlying a substrate. A bottom wiring material and a switching material are sequentially formed overlying the first dielectric material. The bottom wiring material and the switching material are patterned and etched to form a first structure having a top surface region and a side region. The first structure includes a bottom wiring structure and a switching element having the top surface region including an exposed region. A second dielectric material is formed overlying the first structure. A first opening region is formed in a portion of the second dielectric layer to expose a portion of the top surface region. A dielectric side wall structure is formed overlying a side region of the first opening region. A top wiring material including a conductive material is formed overlying the top surface region to be directly contact with the switching element.