Dr. Megan Tufteland

Dr. Nadim Guirguis

If you know the general backstory, it’s not all that surprising that Megan Tufteland and Nadim Guirguis ended up together.

After all, both grew up in Las Vegas. Both played youth hockey. Both studied biology as undergraduate students. And both graduated from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine.

Except Tufteland and Guirguis didn’t know each other growing up. What’s more, both were on separate career paths as young adults — and neither had “dentist” as their end point.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be in healthcare,” Guirguis says. “My original plan was to become a pharmacist.”

Adds Tufteland: “I also knew I wanted to work in healthcare. Throughout college, I thought I wanted to become an OB/GYN.”

Ultimately, both veered off their respective roads for differing reasons — although Guirguis actually gave his initial industry a shot. After studying both chemistry and biology at UNLV in the mid-2000s, he worked for several years as a pharmacy technician before determining that “it wasn’t the right career for me.”

Meanwhile, Tufteland pulled the plug on being an OB/GYN after shadowing several doctors who shared honest opinions about the difficulties of the field.

Despite these realizations, both remained deeply passionate about pursuing careers in healthcare. All it took to push them to dentistry were some chance encounters with dental professionals.

In Tufteland’s case, the encounter was pretty direct.

“As I began exploring other healthcare paths and talked with different types of professionals, dentists consistently stood out as the happiest,” she says. “They spoke about their work with purpose and seemed to have a healthier work-life balance, which was important to me as someone who wanted to start a family one day.”

As for Guirguis? He solidified his career plan at an … electronics store.

“I was working as a sales associate when I met a dentist who was purchasing new computers for his office,” he says. “We started chatting about what he did, and I told him I was interested in potentially pursuing dentistry. He invited me to visit his office, and I ended up shadowing and assisting him for more than a year. He showed me what it was like to run an office and take care of patients.

“That hands-on experience inspired me to apply to dental school and started my journey in dentistry.”

Guirguis’ dental school of choice? The one located in his backyard. 

“I grew up in Las Vegas and attended UNLV for several years, so the university has always felt like home,” he says. “Being part of the Rebel community again gave me a strong sense of belonging and support, which made the decision easy.

“It wasn’t just about staying close to home — it was about continuing my journey in a place that helped shape who I am, both personally and professionally.”

Guirguis actually had a two-year headstart at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine before Tufteland arrived. Although she earned her undergraduate degree in molecular and cellular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, the Las Vegas native viewed attending dental school in her hometown as a no-brainer.

“Returning home felt like a natural next step,” Tufteland says. “Being close to my parents and brother made the transition meaningful, and it was incredibly rewarding to know I would be giving back to the community where I was born and raised.”

And this is where the romantic part of the story begins.

As their time at the School of Dental Medicine overlapped, Tufteland and Guirguis shared several mutual friends. They also got to know each other through various extracurricular activities.

Then one day, Guirguis decided to take a shot at moving their budding friendship to the next level — but he did so in a most unorthodox way.

“I wanted to spend time with her, so I invited her over under the pretense of having a party — except I hadn’t actually planned one yet,” he says. “Once she said yes, I quickly invited a bunch of friends to make it a real party.”

The two soon began dating and have been together ever since, officially tying the knot in August 2013.

“Looking back, I honestly believe going through something as challenging as dental school together helped us connect on a deeper level,” Guirguis says. “That helped build a strong foundation for our relationship.”

As a couple, Tufteland and Guirguis share more than just their doctor of dental medicine degrees (and two young children). For starters, both are highly successful practitioners. She’s a pediatric dentist in a community-based clinical practice; he’s an orthodontist who opened his own Las Vegas-based practice, Mountain View Orthodontics, more than a decade ago.

Additionally, both continue to roam the halls of the School of Dental Medicine as part-time faculty. Tufteland delivers lectures to incoming pediatric dental residents and, as the course director for the Pediatric Dental Resident Board Review Course, helps prepare senior residents to pass their board exams.

She also interviews prospective pediatric dental residents and oversees the residents in their clinical practice Meanwhile, Guirguis teaches in the school’s orthodontic residency program, overseeing and instructing the clinic’s residents.

And now the couple have yet another thing they share: the 2025 UNLV School of Dental Medicine Alumni of the Year award.

It’s an honor that Tufteland and Guirguis accept with heartfelt gratitude, expressing fond appreciation for their time as dental students and residents.

“We were fortunate to learn from many experienced, highly skilled dentists and educators who were not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to teaching and mentorship,” Tufteland says. “Their dedication helped lay the foundation for both our clinical skills and professional values. For that, we both are eternally grateful.”

What inspired each of you to choose your respective professional fields of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics?

Dr. Guirguis: During my second year of dental school, I actually underwent orthodontic treatment for the first time. The orthodontist who treated me was gracious enough to allow me to spend time observing in his office. I spent Friday afternoons in his office for the duration of my orthodontic treatment. 

It was great to experience the environment as a patient, as well as spend time with the doctor and gain his perspective. What really stood out was that the doctor not only was able to transform his patients’ smiles — and, as a result, their lives — but how happy everyone was to be there.

Sometimes patients are reluctant to come to dental appointments, or they express dislike for their dentist, etc. But not with that orthodontist. There was always such a fun and positive energy in his practice, and it truly inspired me to follow in that path.

Dr. Tufteland: I’ve always loved being around children. I started babysitting at 11, and I tutored elementary-aged students throughout high school. That affinity for kids followed me to UC Berkeley, where I partnered with the Children’s Defense Fund to help lower-income families enroll their children in free or low-cost health insurance. I even tutored the children of one of my molecular biology professors. 

After college, I joined a research lab at Oakland Children’s Hospital, and by the time I began considering dentistry more seriously, about 80% of my shadowing hours had been with a Bay Area pediatric dentist.

As a dental student at UNLV, I signed up for every available child-centered volunteer opportunity. Being around children lights me up, and I find immense joy working with them.

One of the unique aspects of working with children is that dental visits are often a brand-new — and vulnerable — experience for them. Many are scared of the unknown, while others bring fears passed down from friends, siblings, or even parents.

Ironically, I loved going to my childhood dentist (and still keep in touch with him!), but I didn’t feel the same way about medical visits. I used to pass out during flu shots and blood draws — something I found deeply embarrassing at the time. But those experiences gave me real empathy for patients dealing with fear and anxiety. I’m able to connect more meaningfully with anxious kids and help guide them through their dental care with patience, understanding, and trust.

Beyond academics, how did your experience at the School of Dental Medicine help mold you into the person you are today?

Dr. Guirguis: During my time at UNLV SDM, I took on several leadership roles, most notably serving as class president during my third and fourth years. That experience was incredibly formative. It gave me the chance to build relationships with faculty, administrators, and peers — both at the dental school and the main campus — and it pushed me outside of my comfort zone, especially when it came to public speaking.

Organizing events and coordinating class activities also taught me valuable lessons in communication, planning, and team management. Those skills have translated directly into how I lead my practice today, from managing a team to navigating complex situations with confidence and professionalism.

Dr. Tufteland: The demanding pace of dental school taught me invaluable time management skills, while leadership opportunities allowed me to grow more confident in my ability to guide, communicate, and collaborate.

I had the chance to organize large events, engage in public speaking, and work closely with both patients and colleagues — experiences that strengthened my professionalism and interpersonal skills.

But what left a lasting impact were the instructors who led with grace. They modeled what it means to be a leader who is both strong and compassionate — who can set high expectations while still offering support, encouragement, and understanding.

That example taught me that leadership isn’t just about knowledge or authority; it’s about how you treat people and how you make them feel. 

You both have returned to the dental school as part-time faculty. Was it a goal to come back and teach the next degeneration of dental professionals?

Dr. Guirguis: Returning as a faculty member was always something I hoped to do. But during the first decade after graduation, my focus was on building my practice and raising a young family, so the timing just wasn’t right.

When Dr. Charles Hill from the Orthodontic Department reached out a couple of years ago, it felt like the perfect moment to get involved. I’ve truly enjoyed stepping into this new role. It’s incredibly rewarding to support and guide residents at the beginning of their orthodontic careers.

At the same time, teaching has challenged me to stay sharp and continue bolstering my own knowledge and skills. Being back at SDM has been both meaningful and motivating.

Dr. Tufteland: I had considered teaching at some point in my career, but I didn’t expect the opportunity to come so soon.

When Dr. William Buhler, director of the pediatric dentistry program at the time, invited me to join as part-time faculty, I saw it as a valuable chance to stay immersed in the academic environment. Teaching kept me accountable to the latest literature and clinical developments, which was incredibly helpful as I prepared for both the written and oral pediatric board exams.

Even after becoming board certified, I chose to stay on because I genuinely enjoy being part of the school community. It’s rewarding to remain connected to colleagues and to play a role in mentoring the next generation of pediatric dentists. 

What is your advice to a current UNLV undergraduate student who is considering a career in dentistry but is concerned about their ability to handle the rigors of dental school?

Dr. Guirguis: My advice is simple: Keep doing what got you there. Dental school is certainly a step up in both volume and difficulty, but the same drive and determination that made you a competitive applicant will carry you through the program.

Like any goal worth achieving, your success will reflect the effort and commitment you put in. If you’re strong enough to be accepted, you’re absolutely capable of succeeding — just stay focused, work hard, and don’t forget why you started. Remember your purpose, lean into the process, and trust that you have what it takes to succeed.

What’s the single most important thing patients should/shouldn’t do for optimum oral health and hygiene?

Dr. Tufteland: Avoid liquid sugars — like soda and juice — and limit processed carbohydrates, such as crackers or goldfish, which tend to stick to teeth and fuel cavity-causing bacteria.

What they shouldn’t do is skip daily brushing and flossing, especially before bedtime. That nighttime routine is crucial, since saliva production decreases while we sleep, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to do damage overnight.

Speaking of that nighttime routine, one of a parent’s biggest daily struggles is getting a young child to properly brush their teeth. Is this any less of a challenge for parents who are professional dentists?

Dr. Tufteland: We were lucky that toothbrushing wasn’t a big struggle in our house. But after working with so many families, I’ve come to realize that every child is different. Some are naturally more cooperative with brushing, while others resist it no matter what you try. 

That’s why I encourage new parents to introduce the habit early — even before teeth come in, you can wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or gum wipe. Once that first tooth appears, brushing should begin. Getting into a routine early helps kids learn that brushing is just something we do, like washing our hands or buckling a seatbelt.

Another parental tip: Make brushing fun — whether that means using a timer, a song, an app, or letting your child pick out their toothbrush. Even brushing together as a family can make it feel like less of a chore.

The goal from the very beginning should be to help kids get comfortable, stay consistent, and learn that brushing is a normal, non-negotiable part of everyday life.