MEET OUR SMILING SURGEONS

President & Co-Founder

Born in Malawi and educated in the United States, Dr. Tania Nkungula has dedicated her life to providing exceptional surgical care to those in need. As President and co-founder of Smiling Surgeons, her passion for healthcare extends far beyond the operating room. Dr. Nkungula actively collaborates with the Malawian ambassador and diaspora in the U.S. to raise awareness and funds for improving medical care in Malawi. Inspired and strengthened by her collaboration with American colleagues, she firmly believes that we are stronger when we work together.

In 2025, Dr. Nkungula will lead the 3rd Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery mission trip to Malawi, continuing her relentless pursuit of making a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery. Her dream is to tirelessly improve the lives of others, driven by her unwavering commitment to creating better access to quality medical care in her homeland and beyond.

Vice President & Co-Founder

Meet Dr. Shelby Curtis, an inspiring leader who blends precision and compassion both in and out of the operating room. As a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Curtis is deeply committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Proudly serving as Vice President and co-founder of Smiling Surgeons, she is driven by a mission to bring smiles and healing to those in need, always happy to be of service.

Dr. Curtis’s extraordinary career spans continents, showcasing her dedication and resilience. From the halls of Boston University to North Chicago and the shores of Okinawa, Japan, her path has been one of service and excellence. After completing her Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Dr. Curtis served aboard the USS Eisenhower in the Red Sea combat zone, performing life-changing surgeries in challenging conditions. Now deployed to Sicily, Italy, she continues her military service while remaining steadfast in her commitment to improving lives wherever she goes.

Meet Dr. Patricia Miller, a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 30 years of experience in advocating for her colleagues and patients. A proud graduate of Howard University College of Dentistry and a residency alumna of Harlem Hospital Center, Dr. Miller brings an extensive depth of knowledge and expertise to her private practice. In addition to her practice, she dedicates time to training the next generation of surgeons through residency programs.

Dr. Miller's commitment to the profession extends beyond the operating room—she also serves on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) Committee on Government Affairs, where she tirelessly champions the rights and interests of oral surgeons on Capitol Hill. Her career exemplifies excellence in oral surgery, advocacy, and education.

Dr Bryant has been in practice in the Bowie-Mitchellville area of Prince Georges County Maryland for the past 20 years in which he has developed a family centered oral surgery practice well known and respected in the surrounding community.  Dr. Bryant is an honors graduate of the Howard University College of Dentistry and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery training at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn New York.  Dr. Bryant continued his postgraduate training by completing a fellowship program with emphasis in orthognathic surgery and dental implantology at Montefiore Medical  Center in Bronx  New York.   Since 2001, Dr. Bryant has been an Assistant Clinical Instructor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.  More recently, Dr. Bryant’s special interests  include a focus on facial rejuvenation and esthetics for the aging patient.