Nunes Named Assistant Professor in the Division of Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials 

Effective August 2018, Mauro Nunes, DDS, MS, began his appointment as an assistant professor in the UNC-CH School of Dentistry Department of Restoratives Sciences, Division of Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials. Nunes will be teaching in the undergraduate and graduate clinics, seeing patients at the Dental Faculty Practice and participating in research activities.  

“Dr. Nunes is an extremely talented clinician that brings years of private practice experience to the department. We are excited to support his growth in research and teaching as he makes the transition to academia,” said Ryan Cook, DDS, MS, chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences.  

“Dr. Nunes attention to detail is impeccable; his experience utilizing microscopes during tooth preparation illustrates this attention to detail. He is incredibly personable with a strong clinical background. The Department of Restorative Sciences and Division of Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials are excited to add him to our team.” 

Nunes’ research interests include in vitro evaluation of dentin and enamel adhesives; in vitro evaluation of composite resins; clinical performance of dentin adhesives; clinical performance of posterior composite resins; and clinical evaluation of tooth whitening systems. 

For the last 17 years, Nunes has worked in private practice in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He has been a member of the Brazilian Association of Dentistry Rio Grande do Sul Division and the Brazilian Federal Dental Association for more than 20 years.  

“Words cannot describe how privileged I feel to join the top-ranked UNC-CH School of Dentistry,” said Nunes. “Regardless of being away from Chapel Hill for the last 17 years, I have always kept this stunning place in my mind, so it’s really amazing to move back to this vibrant city, and be part of the School of Dentistry’s forthcoming transformation. The familiar faces, warm greetings and positive comments make me feel so welcomed and encouraged to be a new member of this globally respected institution. I’m truly honored and looking forward to help make positive changes both clinically and didactically.” 

Nunes received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He received a master’s degree in dental materials from the University of São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil, and a master’s degree in operative dentistry from the UNC-CH School of Dentistry.