Meet the Team: The Dentists
& Strategists Behind the Scenes
Built by Dentists.
For Dentists.
We’re not just a company. We’re a collective of clinicians, educators, and strategists living the same reality you are. We don’t just teach it; we practice it every day. Most of our team is active in the operatory, facing the same PPO pressures, staffing challenges, and clinical demands you do.
We came together with one goal: to deliver the objective truth and mentorship we wish we had starting out. From experienced practice owners to rising leaders, our team brings real-world insight so no matter where you are in your career, someone here has been in your shoes and can guide what’s next.
David Rice, DDS
Founder & Executive Coach
David Rice, DDS
Founder & Executive Coach
Dr. David Rice, founder of IGNITEDDS, is a leading figure in dentistry, dedicated to helping dental professionals shape successful careers. As a practicing dentist, best-selling author, executive coach, and leader of the largest U.S. community for new dentists and students, he mentors dentists worldwide and shares strategies for career growth. Dr. Rice serves as Editor-in-Chief of DentistryIQ and is Adjunct Faculty at The Pankey Institute, combining clinical expertise, business acumen, and leadership to guide peers toward fulfilling futures.
Dawn Patrick
Director of Operations & Strategic Business Accelerator Coach
Dawn Patrick
Director of Operations & Strategic Business Accelerator Coach
With over 30 years of dental experience spanning pediatric, cosmetic, and complete health dentistry, Dawn is the engine that keeps us running. Her 25 years in practice management allow her to create the systems and processes that ensure our team – and yours – can excel.
Teresa Power
Chief Experience & Partnerships Officer
Chief Experience & Partnerships Officer
Teresa Power is a clinician and marketing strategist who helps dental and wellness organizations grow through stronger branding, partnerships, and patient engagement. As founder of Sleep Better NYC and Chief Experience and Partnerships Officer at IGNITEDDS, she combines clinical insight with marketing expertise to create impactful experiences and meaningful connections.
James Wanamaker, DDS
Dentist Clinical Director
Dentist Clinical Director
Dr. Wanamaker is the architect behind our educational curriculum. A general dentist and past Chair of the ADA New Dentist Committee, he curates top-notch speakers and mentors to ensure every course we offer delivers immediate ROI for your practice.
Candy Velez, RDH
Hygiene Clinical Director
Hygiene Clinical Director
An active hygienist and airway health advocate, Candy coordinates the Dental Fuel podcast. She is dedicated to helping RDHs and dental teams fuel their passion for care through education and systemic health awareness.
Luke Shapiro, DDS
Chief Strategy Officer
Chief Strategy Officer
A practicing orthodontist in New York City and a powerhouse in dental social media, Dr. Shapiro connects the profession through digital engagement. As the founder of @futuredentists and our CSO, he drives the strategic vision that keeps IGNITEDDS at the forefront of modern dental education.
Sable Muntean, DDS
Editor of Get Lit Newsletter
Sable Muntean, DDS
Editor of Get Lit Newsletter
An implant fellow and the first full-time female dentist at the St. Louis VA, Dr. Muntean is a “Top Ten Under Ten” honoree. She drives the editorial voice of our weekly newsletter, delivering critical insights to over 22,000 readers.
Cyril Manchery, DDS
Social Media Strategist
Social Media Strategist
Currently completing his pediatric training, Dr. Manchery has managed the IGNITEDDS social media presence for over five years. He understands the pulse of the dental student and new dentist community better than anyone.’
Ronnetta Sartor, DDS
Co-Host, Beyond Graduation Podcast
Ronnetta Sartor, DDS
Co-Hosts, Beyond Graduation Podcast
Dr. Ronetta Sartor brings a fresh, honest perspective to modern dentistry, helping new dentists navigate the challenges beyond clinical training. Through her content and mentorship, she focuses on building confidence, creating balance, and designing a career that works on your terms.
Savanah Craig, DDS
Co-Host, Beyond Graduation Podcast
Savanah Craig, DDS
Co-Hosts, Beyond Graduation Podcast
Dr. Savanah Craig is a voice for the new generation of dentists, sharing insights through podcasts and educational resources. She focuses on the real-world side of dentistry—from work-life balance to building a successful, sustainable career.
Abdullah Abdelaziz, DMD
Chief Media Strategist
Abdullah Abdelaziz, DMD
Chief Media Strategist
Known as the “radiant smile architect,” Dr. Abdelaziz combines cosmetic artistry with captivating storytelling. He manages our media strategy, amplifying dental expertise through visually stunning content and humor that resonates with dentists worldwide.
Tara Aboumahboub, DDS
Creative Director
Creative Director
Dr. Tara operates at the intersection of healthcare and lifestyle. As a cosmetic dentist and brand strategist, she directs the creative vision of IGNITEDDS, ensuring our content not only educates, but also entertains and inspires dentists to elevate their brands.
Ronda Holman
Director of IgniteDA
Ronda Holman
Director of IgniteDA
Ronda is on a mission to elevate the role of the dental assistant. With over 23 years of clinical experience and a passion for airway health, she leads our dental assisting arm, proving that a well-trained assistant is a practice’s greatest asset.
Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS
Social Media Content Creator
Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS
Social Media Content Creator
As a Dental Director at an FQHC and former ASDA President, Dr. Maestas brings a wealth of leadership experience. She hosts our “Fireside Chat,” facilitating critical conversations on the hot topics shaping our industry.
Nehal Shah, DDS
Director of Video Production
Nehal Shah, DDS
Director of Video Production
Dr. Shah bridges the gap between clinical dentistry and visual art. A practicing dentist and professional photographer/videographer, he ensures that the visual quality of our education matches the clinical excellence we teach.