Meet Dr. Nehawandian
About Dr. Nancy Nehawandian
DDS
As the founder of Top Down Dental, Dr. Nancy Nehawandian built her practice around a simple but transformative philosophy: focus on the whole patient, not just their teeth. She believes exceptional dentistry is where science, artistry, and compassion come together to create meaningful, long-lasting results — creating a trusted dental experience where patients feel valued while achieving greater comfort, balance, and naturally beautiful smiles.
Experience and Background
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Since earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific in 1989, Dr. Nehawandian has stayed at the forefront of modern dentistry. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychophysiology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has completed more than 2,700 hours of continuing education across physiological and neuromuscular dentistry, TMJ therapy, holistic care, implant dentistry, and aesthetic restoration. She is part of an elite 1% of U.S. dentists to hold a Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD).
Physiological, Whole-Body Dentistry
As a leader in physiological dentistry, Dr. Nehawandian studies how the teeth, muscles, and jaw joints work together to relieve problems such as jaw pain, headaches, and bite misalignment. She holds advanced certifications in neuromuscular dentistry, TMJ diagnosis and treatment, and full-mouth rehabilitation, and is a Fellow of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics (FIAPA) and the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (FICCMO). Her holistic perspective extends to using biocompatible materials and addressing sleep-disordered breathing and airway health, and she offers advanced aesthetic and implant solutions as a Las Vegas Institute Fellow (LVIF) and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI).
Education
- 1985 — University of California, Santa Barbara, Psychophysiology
- 1989 — University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, DDS
Professional Qualifications & Achievements
- Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, MAGD (2015)
- Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, FAGD (2006)
- Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, FICOI (2008)
- Fellow of LVI Global Advanced Dental Studies, LVIF (2010)
- Fellow of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, FIAPA (2014)
- Fellow of the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, FICCMO (2012)
- Recognized as one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumers’ Research Council of America (2008, 2011, 2014) and the National Consumer Advisory Board (2016)
- Member: ADA, CDA, Santa Clara County Dental Society, AGD, IAPA, DOCS, ICOI, ICCMO, AADSM, IABDM, IAOMT
Outside the Office
Enjoys travelling with her husband and visiting her children and grandchildren.
See why
our patientslove us
Thoughtful material choices, prevention, and attention to breathing and jaw health guide our holistic approach. Your questions and priorities help shape the conversation. Hear from patients who have shared their experience with Top Down Dental.
Dr. Alan is incredibly gentle and always takes the time to make sure I fully understand everything about my oral health. I truly appreciate how informative and caring he is. The entire team is warm, professional, and genuinely committed to providing exceptional care to every patient. I highly recommend this amazing office to anyone looking for a dentist who truly puts patients first!
I continue to be impressed with my care at top down dental. I have had nothing but great experiences. Dr. Nancy Nehawandian has been very thorough and thoughtful about my tx plan. I have never felt so confident and happy with my dental care. I look forward to my appointments and appreciate the compassion from the entire team!
I recently found Top Down Dental. I am so glad that I did. They are world-class and remarkable people. The work and service they provided was exemplary. I admire their technical and people skills. They can make going to the dentist a pleasant experience. I seldom do reviews, but I am pleased to recommend Top Down Dental.
Found the place through a biological dentist website because I was looking for more wholistic and better dental services in the area. It has been great getting my teeth cleaned and gum treated here over the past one and half years. Doctors are very caring and willing to spend time explaining things to you. Also I love the office vibe, although the building is older outside but interior looks really modern and clean. Staffs are friendly too. Highly recommended.