

Meet Dr. Melissa Hunt, Nuvia’s experienced restorative dentist at the Pittsburgh, PA clinic.

About
Dr. Melissa Hunt is the restorative dentist at Nuvia Dental Implant Center in Pittsburgh, PA. She began her career in dentistry in the early 1990s, first as a dental assistant and then as a dental hygienist after completing hygiene school in Houston. She went on to earn her dental degree from the UT School of Dentistry in Houston, ran her own practice, and later relocated to Georgia to complete a prosthodontics residency—so she could take on more complex cases and help more patients. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the field.
Dr. Hunt was first exposed to dentistry in high school through a program that let her work in a dental office half the day. She quickly fell in love with the work—getting people out of pain, helping them smile again, and keeping them healthy—and never looked back.
Dr. Hunt joined Nuvia for the chance to focus on one procedure and become an expert at it—rather than juggling many different treatments in a single day. That focus lets her go deep, do her best work, and help as many patients as possible.
She understands that coming to the dentist is intimidating enough without appointments stretching out over months, so being able to say “we’ll get you in, we’ll get this done, and you’ll be smiling and eating normally”, thanks to the 24 hour model, is powerful. Compared with acrylic restorations, which typically need to be replaced every five years or so as they wear, chip, or stain, zirconia holds up—no chipping, no staining—which means her patients can move straight into a durable, aesthetic final result.
Outside of work, Dr. Hunt is a maker at heart. She sews and makes her own clothes—she owns about nine sewing machines and has a soft spot for the older vintage ones—and recently built a full patio set (sofa, coffee table, and love seat) with her daughter for their back deck. She’s also an avid horseback rider and a hiker, and enjoys exploring trails whenever she gets the chance.

Our doctors are not just experts; they are visionaries in the field of dental implantology. With decades of surgical and restorative experience, and a passion for pioneering research, they are at the forefront of innovation.
Dr. Melissa Hunt is the restorative dentist at Nuvia Dental Implant Center in Pittsburgh, PA. She began her career in dentistry in the early 1990s, first as a dental assistant and then as a dental hygienist after completing hygiene school in Houston. She went on to earn her dental degree from the UT School of Dentistry in Houston, ran her own practice, and later relocated to Georgia to complete a prosthodontics residency—so she could take on more complex cases and help more patients. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the field.
Dr. Hunt was first exposed to dentistry in high school through a program that let her work in a dental office half the day. She quickly fell in love with the work—getting people out of pain, helping them smile again, and keeping them healthy—and never looked back.
Dr. Hunt joined Nuvia for the chance to focus on one procedure and become an expert at it—rather than juggling many different treatments in a single day. That focus lets her go deep, do her best work, and help as many patients as possible.
She understands that coming to the dentist is intimidating enough without appointments stretching out over months, so being able to say “we’ll get you in, we’ll get this done, and you’ll be smiling and eating normally”, thanks to the 24 hour model, is powerful. Compared with acrylic restorations, which typically need to be replaced every five years or so as they wear, chip, or stain, zirconia holds up—no chipping, no staining—which means her patients can move straight into a durable, aesthetic final result.
Outside of work, Dr. Hunt is a maker at heart. She sews and makes her own clothes—she owns about nine sewing machines and has a soft spot for the older vintage ones—and recently built a full patio set (sofa, coffee table, and love seat) with her daughter for their back deck. She’s also an avid horseback rider and a hiker, and enjoys exploring trails whenever she gets the chance.
Dr. Steve Moriconi, a renowned oral & maxillofacial surgeon, has been a leading figure in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery since completing his education and residency. Educated at Fordham University with a BS in Biology, he advanced to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. His commitment to excellence continued as he served as a United States Navy dentist before completing an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania hospitals. Achieving Board Certification in 1985, Dr. Moriconi has been a practicing oral surgeon in Pittsburgh since that time. He now is with Nuvia Dental Implant center at the Pittsburgh clinic.
Throughout his career, Dr. Moriconi has made significant contributions to oral surgery, notably in dental implantology, where he placed his first dental implant in 1984 and has since gained extensive experience with all on 4 surgeries. In 1987, he was named Program Director of the General Practice Residency Training Program at Abington Hospital and served as Chief of the Dental Division until 2021. His dedication to service and excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Champion of Diversity Award and the Pennsylvania Dental Association’s Public Service award, reflecting his commitment not only to his patients but also to his community.
Residing in Pittsburgh, PA, with his wife Kristina, a published author and university professor, Dr. Moriconi is a family man, proud of their six children and six grandchildren. His ongoing involvement in professional education, especially as the Act 124 Pennsylvania Dental Association’s lecturer on Substance Use Disorder, showcases his dedication to the advancement of oral health and prevention efforts. Dr. Moriconi's career is a testament to his passion for oral surgery and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his patients through exceptional surgical care.
Dr. Eric Olendorf is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Nuvia Dental Implant Center in Pittsburgh, PA. He began his career in the United States Navy, where he served as a submarine officer before transitioning into dentistry.
He completed his undergraduate education at the United States Naval Academy, earned his dental degree from the University of Washington, and finished his oral surgery residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
His path into dentistry came from wanting to work with his hands and build real connections with patients. After his time in the Navy, he chose a field where he could treat people directly and follow their care over time.
Dr. Olendorf was drawn to how quickly patients can complete treatment here. With permanent teeth in 24 hours, patients don’t spend months waiting for their final set. He has seen how long that process can take in other settings, and this approach removes that gap.
Dr. Olendorf enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife have five children. Outside of work, he likes cooking, playing sports, watching games, and going to the movies.