Meet Dr. Nunes
Background
Dr. Nunes followed in his uncle Max’s footsteps as a skilled, compassionate dentist. With a desire to provide personalized, high-level care, he created a cozy space where patients are the priority and precision is key. He stays at the forefront of dental technology and techniques to deliver beautifully meticulous results with minimally invasive treatments.
Education
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil)
- Master’s in Dental Materials (University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil)
- Master’s in Operative Dentistry (UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry)
Experience
In 2025, Dr. Nunes will celebrate 30 years of dedicated service to patients, both in private practice and as a faculty member at the UNC School of Dentistry.
“Dentistry is in my blood, thanks to my uncle Max—a skillful, charismatic, and compassionate dentist.”
%201.jpg)
Personal
He loves travel adventures with his family and watching Broadway musicals with his wife and daughters (yes, musicals chosen by the girls, but he ends up loving them). He also enjoys hanging out with their adopted mixed Chihuahua, Luna, who adds warmth and companionship to every day. As a lover of the outdoors, he stays active through gym workouts, running, bicycling, and skateboarding, He might also be found cooking barbecue on his backyard charcoal grill and entertaining friends at home with his wife. Other interests include photography, photo and video editing, watching movies and documentaries, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
Leadership
Dr. Nunes has delivered lectures and hands-on courses in various professional institutions, including dental schools, dental associations, and private teaching establishments. He has also held roles as a member of dental associations and contributed to the professional community as a reviewer for dental journals. He currently serves on the advisory board of Forbes Health, reviewing dental articles that reach and educate the general public on dental-related topics.
Meet Dr. Pithan
Background
Dr. Pithan earned her DDS in 1999 in Brazil, later completing a Master’s in Pediatric Dentistry and a PhD in Oral Medicine. During her time in Brazil, she taught and mentored students and received six teaching awards. She conducted research in Austria and taught during her PhD. Returning home, she became a professor, following in her father’s footsteps. In 2018, she moved to the U.S.
Education
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (Federal University of Santa Maira)
- Master's in Dental Science - Pediatric Dentistry (Federal University of Santa Catarina)
- PhD in Dentistry - Oral Medicine (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul)
Experience
Dr. Pithan taught for 13 years before moving to the U.S. to support her husband’s career. After settling in Chapel Hill, she joined UNC as Adjunct Faculty, then transitioned to clinical roles in pediatric dentistry. She later helped her husband grow their family dental practice.
Personal
As a child, Dr. Pithan dreamed of becoming a dancer and took dance classes for 18 years—something she still misses. She enjoys crafts like crocheting, sewing, knitting, and furniture refinishing. Her mother is an artist; while Dr. Pithan didn’t inherit her drawing skills, she shares her creative spirit and love for making things by hand. Though she loves to travel, she dislikes flying. The beach is her favorite destination, and at home, she finds peace in the backyard and screened-in porch.
Home Life
Being a mother to Antonia and Helena is Dr. Pithan’s greatest joy and deepest source of strength. They inspire her to grow, give back, and care for the planet. They are her heart and soul—even if they’re convinced she loves their dog, Luna, just a bit more than them!
Connect
We can’t wait to meet you.
Call (919) 383-7020 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
