When Dr. Megan Girmscheid had her braces removed at the age of 15, she didn’t just see straightened teeth in the mirror - she saw confidence, self-assurance, and a whole new outlook on life. “It gave me such confidence, and I just felt good about myself,” she recalls.
That moment sparked a dream: to help others experience the same transformative power of a beautiful smile. Fast forward to 2013, and Dr. Girmscheid made that dream a reality by becoming a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry. A decade later, in May 2023, she took her vision even further by opening her own practice, Dental Haven.
A Vision Brought to Life
“I had a vision over the years of how I wanted to practice, what truly brings me joy, and how I could best serve my community and patients,” she says. “I chose the name Dental Haven because I wanted my office to be a sanctuary - a safe, welcoming space where patients feel comfortable and cared for.”
At Dental Haven, Dr. Girmscheid and her team believe that oral health is deeply connected to overall well-being, both physically and psychologically. With the rise of social media, more people are becoming self-conscious about their smiles. “We want to send a clear message: this is a judgment-free zone,” she says. “Our goal is to provide patients with the smile they’ve always wanted, in a relaxing and beautiful setting.”
Giving Patients a Reason to Smile
One of the most rewarding aspects of her career is working with older patients who have spent years prioritizing others - raising children, supporting their families - and are now ready to invest in themselves. “Some patients have always disliked their teeth but never felt they could do something about it,” Dr. Girmscheid says. “Seeing their excitement and pride when we complete their transformation is what makes this work so fulfilling.”
Beyond traditional dentistry, Dental Haven also offers Botox® treatments - an extension of her expertise in facial aesthetics. “As a doctor specializing in the head and neck, I naturally consider the full face, not just the teeth,” she says. Initially, she provided Botox treatments only for her team and friends, but once patients saw the results, demand quickly grew. “Many people come in every three to four months for touch-ups. Since they’re already visiting for routine dental care, it’s a convenient way to enhance both their smile and facial aesthetics.” Botox isn’t just for cosmetic purposes either. It can also help patients suffering from clenching, grinding, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJ), providing much-needed relief.
A Heart for the Community
While Dr. Girmscheid is passionate about transforming smiles, she’s equally dedicated to making a difference beyond her practice. Unsure which charity to support when launching Dental Haven, she was drawn to Harvest Hands, a nonprofit serving underserved communities in Nashville through after-school programs, youth leadership training, Empower Sports, and counseling services.
“One day, I was doing a devotional right before Easter, and I felt led to support Harvest Hands,” she says. “We live in a fortunate area compared to much of the country, and I wanted to contribute to something meaningful - helping kids right here in Nashville.”
Today, Dental Haven donates a percentage of all product sales to Harvest Hands and also sponsors various events for the organization.
A Family Affair
Balancing a thriving practice and a busy home life, Dr. Girmscheid is also a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Derek, have been married for seven years and live in Franklin with their two children - five-year-old Grace and two-year-old Thomas, along with their beloved dogs, Annie and Nelson.
Her journey to opening Dental Haven was anything but ordinary. “Tommy was born just a week before construction began on the office,” she recalls. “It was a journey - he was here on-site in his car seat, wearing little headphones while taking naps in a construction zone.” Her children’s presence is still felt in the practice today. “We have an all-pink sedation surgical suite, and my daughter calls it ‘her room’ when she visits,” she laughs. “This business is truly a family affair.”
A Passion for Art and Science
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Girmscheid has a deep love for music. Having minored in voice and trained in classical violin, she frequently performs at church and even sang at her own wedding. “My dad is an accountant, and my mom is a retired music teacher, so I grew up in a world of both logic and creativity,” she says. “I joke that I’m what happens when an accountant and a musician have a child. I’m strong in science and math, but also very artistic. People don’t always realize that dentistry is a craft - it’s all about precision and detail, just like music. That blend of science and art is what makes this career so rewarding for me.”
With an eye for aesthetics, a heart for service, and a dedication to excellence, Dr. Megan Girmscheid is redefining what it means to visit the dentist. At Dental Haven, it’s not just about fixing teeth - it’s about creating confidence, enhancing lives, and making every patient feel truly at home. DentalHavenTN.com