Family Dentist in Livermore
Dental Care Team
We are a family-oriented & health-centered dental practice. Our patients from Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Bay Area and some adjacent states seek Dr. Eccles for his expertise in holistic & biological dentistry
S. WARD ECCLES, D.D.S.
Welcome New Patients
About Us
Meet US
Mercury-Free & Health-Centered Dental Care
Achieving or maintaining your body’s optimum health is our number one priority. Restoring your mouth to help support this process is our business. As an experienced Livermore family dentist, Dr. Eccles emphasizes aesthetics so that restored teeth look natural, without the “repaired” look. This we do while assuring that all potentially toxic dental materials are safely removed. As a 30+ year fellow and board member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT), he proudly upholds the established creed of “Show Me The Science”.
In 2024, we welcomed two new dentists to our practice; Dr. Hiral Shah and Dr. Mark Nakhla. They uphold the same biological, conservative approach to dentistry. Both dentists have attended IAOMT conferences along with numerous specialized training specific to our philosophy of care. Please, take an opportunity to learn more about them below.
Our Dentists
Dr. S. Ward Eccles
Dr. Eccles has 45 years experience as a family dentist in Livermore, 40 of them emphasizing toxic-free alternative and health-centered dentistry. “Being a dentist gives me great opportunities to help improve people’s lives; especially those of you who have been searching for a caring dentist that understands these serious issues.”
As a health-centered dentist in Livermore, Dr. Eccles emphasizes conservative treatment, especially trying to minimize the need for crowns and root canal therapy while choosing safe alternative therapies and materials.
“My objective as a health-centered family dentist is to help educate about the seriousness of achieving a healthy mouth. This means one that is free of toxic materials and excessive electrical currents generated by dissimilar metals in the mouth. I understand how important it is that to have a healthy body one must also have a healthy mouth and vice versa.”
Dr. Hiral Shah
Associate Dentist
Dr. Shah is an Honors Graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she received distinctions in clinical and community dentistry. She brings nearly 12 years of experience practicing in Oregon and the Bay Area, and prior to that, she practiced as a dentist in India.
Dr. Shah believes in a comprehensive approach to systemic health and treats her patients with care and attention to detail. She is passionate about educating patients about their conditions, prevention, treatment options, and maintenance for long-term prognosis and integrative care. As a supporter of evidence-based medicine, Dr. Shah stays up to date with the latest educational courses and technologies.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Shah enjoys hiking with her husband, their two children, and their red retriever. She also loves attending live music events, volunteering, and trying new experiences.
Dr. Mark Nakhla
Associate Dentist
Dr. Mark received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. Before earning his doctorate, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Dr. Mark knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in his parents’ footsteps into healthcare. His mother, a dentist, inspired his calling to serve the community. Through years of studying and hard work, he has found his passion for dentistry and is excited to bring his expertise to our practice.
Dr. Mark strives to give his patients a thorough and comforting experience by listening to their concerns, understanding their needs, and explaining their conditions. He is dedicated to ensuring that his patients enjoy their visits while benefiting from biological and biomimetic approaches through technologically advanced treatments. Dr. Mark is conservative in his approach, adhering to the principles of biomimetic dentistry just like Dr. Eccles. Additionally, he will be training with Dr. Eccles to further deepen his knowledge and practice of biological dentistry.
Outside of the office, Dr. Mark enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, serving through his local church, working on home improvement projects, and playing basketball.
OUR TEAM
Houda S.
Dental Hygienist
Houda started as a dental assistant and continued her education in dental hygiene. She has worked in the field of general dentistry for 6 years. Houda’s favorite part of her job is providing patients the experience of quality dental care and the feeling of a great smile. She loves getting to know her patients and building long lasting relationships. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, hiking and exploring the Bay Area.
Bob S.
Dental Hygienist
Rene G.
Registered Dental Assistant with Extended Functions
Peter R.
Sterilization Technician
Megan K.
Scheduling Coordinator
Megan brings a strong background in customer service to our practice and is excited to begin her journey in dentistry. As our Scheduling Coordinator, she ensures patients are scheduled with care and accuracy, that all the details for their visits are thoughtfully prepared, and that their experience with us feels seamless from the very first phone call. She also helps coordinate care with other offices and makes sure patients have the information they need every step of the way.
Outside the office, Megan loves being a mom to her teenager. She enjoys working out, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family.
Audrey G.
Office Manager
Audrey is the true driving force of our practice. She has over 11 years of experience in dentistry with 5 years focused on biological dentistry. She began her dental career working primarily in pediatric and orthodontic practices. Addressing the root cause of “dis-ease” is why Audrey loves biological dentistry and strives to be an informed liaison for all patients. Audrey works closely with the dentists and staff to introduce new services for our patients, extending the care to address conditions at their source. Her passion for elevating the patient experience is matched only by her dedication to fostering a dynamic, cohesive, and HAPPY team environment.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to concerts, being in nature, and watching the latest anime.
Kimberley V.
Financial Coordinator
Kimberley has been an important part of our team for over three years, bringing with her more than thirty years of experience as an Administrative Assistant. With extensive knowledge of both front and back office operations in healthcare, she is truly a “jack of all trades” and loves contributing to every part of the patient experience. As our Financial Coordinator, Kimberley helps patients navigate financial and insurance matters, working closely with both patients and insurance carriers to ensure accurate and timely payments.
Outside of the office, Kimberley enjoys spending quality time with her family, walking local trails, practicing Pilates, and relaxing with her favorite HGTV shows.
Our Dental Hygienist (Retired) – Janet
As many of our patients know, Janet has been a part of our practice for 28 years. Some of our patients have been seeing Janet longer than that! In her 43-year career as a Registered Dental Hygienist, she has brought much joy, education, and her love of sports to her patients.
We were truly fortunate to have Janet as part of our practice for almost three decades. Her decision to retire did come after being out on medical leave just after the pandemic started. Janet said she is looking forward to retirement as it will give her an opportunity to spend more time with her grandchildren. However, she will deeply miss seeing her patients as she has gotten to know and build strong friendships with them. “That part is going to be the hardest for me.” She stated.
Our Dental Care
Biological Dentistry
Using science-based, biological techniques, technologies, and materials for your oral and overall health
Family Dentistry
Establishing preventative dental care routine and restorative treatment options for the entire family
Safe Mercury Removal
Replacing amalgams with non-toxic filling materials while safely capturing released mercury
Root Canal
Emphasizing a biological approach to diagnosing and treating infected teeth
Gum Therapy
Addressing periodontal “gum” disease systemically and non-surgically
Cosmetic Dentistry
Restoring and replacing natural teeth using a conservative approach with non-metal materials
Dental Surgery
Our dental surgery approach respects the body’s natural ability to heal
TMJ Therapy
TMJ dysfunction causes jaw pain, facial tension, headaches & neck discomfort
Ozone Therapy
A safe, natural treatment to disinfect & reduce inflammation
Our Network and Associations
IAOMT
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology – Leaders In Science-Based Biological Dentistry
BNI
Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Livermore work in committees throughout the year to plan work projects, major fundraising efforts for schools, community needs and charities








