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.
Dr. David Rice
Founder & Executive Clinical
Leadership Dental Coach
Dr. David Rice
Founder & Executive Clinical Leadership Dental Coach
Dr. David Rice is the Founder of IGNITEDDS and an Executive Clinical Leadership Dental Coach who helps dentists transform overwhelmed practices into organized, high-performing businesses that support both growth and quality patient care. A practicing dentist, best-selling author, speaker, executive coach, and Adjunct Faculty member at The Pankey Institute, Dr. Rice combines clinical excellence, business strategy, and leadership development to help dentists build thriving practices. As the leader of one of the largest communities for dentists and dental students in the United States, he mentors dental professionals worldwide on growth, profitability, and practice success.
Dawn Patrick
Director of Operations &
Business Strategy Coach
Dawn Patrick
Director of Operations & Business Strategy Coach
Dawn Patrick is a Business Strategy Coach with over 30 years of experience in pediatric, cosmetic, and complete health dentistry, including 15 years coaching dental teams and practice owners. With 25 years in practice management, she specializes in creating systems, accountability, and leadership within teams so practices can reduce chaos, eliminate overwhelm, improve profitability, and operate at a higher level. Her passion is helping dental teams thrive by building the structure, consistency, and leadership needed for long-term success.
Teresa Power
Chief Experience & Partnerships Officer
Teresa Power
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
James Wanamaker, DDS
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, CRDH, BSDH
Clinical Hygiene Director
Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH
Hygiene Clinical Director
Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, is the Clinical Hygiene Director for IgniteDDS Coaching and serves on the Florida Board of Dentistry’s Council on Dental Hygiene and the Board of Directors for the Dental Hygiene Alliance of Florida. She is passionate about strengthening collaboration between dentists and hygienists, helping dental teams improve communication, enhance team dynamics, and create a more collaborative approach to patient care.
Luke Shapiro, DDS
Chief Strategy Officer
Luke Shapiro, DDS
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.
Dr. Cyril Manchery
Social Media Strategist
Dr. Cyril Manchery
Social Media Strategist
Dr Cyril Manchery is a practicing pediatric dentist and one of the creative minds behind IGNITEDDS’s social media presence. Dr. Manchery blends real-world clinical insight with a deep understanding of the dental student and early career dentist experience. His ability to create authentic, engaging content has helped foster a thriving community while keeping a constant pulse on the next generation of dentistry.
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor
Co-Host, Beyond Graduation Podcast
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor
Co-Hosts, Beyond Graduation Podcast
Dr. Ronnetta 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
Tara Aboumahboub, DDS
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.
Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas
Social Media Content Creator
Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas
Social Media Content Creator
Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas is a content creator who brings humor, authenticity, and a fresh perspective to everyday life in dentistry. As a Dental Director at an FQHC and former ASDA President, Dr. Maestas combines clinical and leadership experience, engaging dental professionals through relatable content, meaningful conversations, and insights on the trends and challenges shaping the profession today.
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.
Hailey Vogt
Social Media Coordinator
Hailey Vogt
Brand Ambassador and Social Media Coordinator
Hailey Vogt is the Brand Ambassador and Social Media Coordinator for IGNITEDDS, where she safeguards the integrity of the IGNITEDDS brand across all digital platforms. She manages and oversees social media content, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s mission, voice, and values while delivering valuable education, resources, and growth opportunities to dental professionals. Through consistent brand stewardship, Hailey helps strengthen IGNITEDDS’ connection with dentists and supports the continued growth of its professional community.