James Wanamaker

James Wanamaker

Dr. James Wanamaker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2016 with a concentration in pediatric dentistry.

While at Buffalo, he served in multiple roles in organized dentistry, including the National Chair of the Council on Advocacy for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).

Following dental school, he then completed a General Practice Residency at SUNY Upstate Hospital and the Syracuse VA Hospital. He has completed additional training at the Dawson Academy, Invisalign, and surgical implant placement at the Brighterway Institute. Dr. Wanamaker is a partner in his dream private practice, Smiles of Skaneateles, located outside of Syracuse, NY.

Dr. Wanamaker began working with IGNITEDDS as a 3rd-year dental student. Since then, he has spoken at dental schools and conferences across the country on interview skills and finding your ideal private practice.

He is heavily involved in organized dentistry on a local, state, and national level. Dr. Wanamaker currently serves as the Chair of the New Dentist Committee for the New York State Dental Association. In 2020 Dr. Wanamaker was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.

Fellows have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society and only 3% of dentists are Fellows. Dr. Wanamaker resides in Upstate New York with his wife, Francesca, their young daughter, and Goldendoodle, Chewbacca.

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Incisal Edge Position

By: Dr. James Wanamaker With every case I plan, I take the same set of twenty-one photos…

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dental photography

Why Dental Photography Is Essential in Modern Dental Practice

By: James Wanamaker, DDS – IGNITEDDS Clinical Coach In my private practice centered on esthetics and function,…

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Variolink Esthetic System Review

Variolink Esthetic System Review

By: Dr. James Wanamaker When I became a dental practice owner, one of my goals was to…

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Direct Restorative Workflow Kit from Ivoclar

Systems & Simplicity: Two Words that Come to Mind When Working with the Direct Restorative Workflow Kit from Ivoclar

By: Dr. James Wanamaker I have been a fan of Ivoclar products since I was a student…

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Incisal Edge Position

By James Wanamaker | April 20, 2026

By: Dr. James Wanamaker With every case I plan, I take the same set of twenty-one photos because each image gives me a different piece of the puzzle, and together they guide one of the most critical parameters in smile design.  In an esthetic-driven practice, few decisions are more important or more misunderstood than where…

The Start-Up Ownership Illusion: Part 2

By David Rice | April 20, 2026

“Margins”. Why owning a practice no longer guarantees wealth, and what actually does.Miss part one? Read it here…The Start-Up Ownership Illusion: Part 1 By: Dr. David Rice The Math Doesn’t Add Up Anymore There was a time when owning a dental practice was simple: I’m going to share a hard truth. That model is gone,…

If They Understand It, They’ll Accept It

By Ronda Holman | April 13, 2026

By: Ronda Holman You’re standing in the operatory. You just walked your patient through what you’re seeing, what needs to be done, and why. Then they look at you and ask: “Why does this cost so much? Can you just give me the cheapest option?” And just like that, you feel it. That slight tension….

Media Release: Ivoclar’s Complete CAD/CAM Block Portfolio for CEREC is Now Available Through Benco Dental

By David Rice | April 13, 2026

By: Ivoclar Expanded Dealer Partnership Gives CEREC® Users Access to Ivoclar’s Full CAD/CAM Block Line, Including IPS e.max® Ivoclar, a global leader in integrated dental solutions, and Benco Dental, the nation’s largest family-owned dental distributor, have expanded their longstanding partnership to offer Ivoclar’s complete CAD/CAM block portfolio for the Dentsply Sirona CEREC system through Benco…

Everyone Is a Human Being: Choosing to Create Better Workplace Culture

By Candy Velez - CRDH, BSDH | April 13, 2026

We All Have the Superpower of CHOICE By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach When the Hardest Part of Work Isn’t the Work In many professional environments, the most difficult part of the job is not always the workload, the schedule, or the pressure. Sometimes, it is the way people treat each other….

Fluoride Varnish: A Valuable Tool for Caries Prevention

By Dr. Lee Ann Brady | April 6, 2026

By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Fluoride varnish is one of the most effective ways to prevent caries, yet many dental professionals and patients underestimate its power. If you’re still using fluoride gel or foam, it’s time for an upgrade….

The Evolution of Excellence: Introducing the NSK Ti-Max Z99L

By David Rice | April 6, 2026

By: NSK NSK’s newest electric handpiece, the Ti-Max Z99L, is designed to provide more torque, better ergonomics, and unmatched durability. 1. Optimized for Power: The New Gear & Chuck System The Z99L introduces the DURAPOWER CHUCK, a next-generation mechanism that provides a significantly stronger bur grip, reducing the risk of slippage even when cutting through…

From Chaos to Coordination: Building a Michelin-Star Dental Team

By Dawn Patrick | April 6, 2026

By: Dawn Patrick, COO and Dental Business Strategy Coach, IGNITEDDS What Does a High-Performing Dental Team Actually Look Like? In high-performing dental practices, success isn’t about everyone doing everything. It’s about everyone doing their part, exceptionally well. Think about a fine dining restaurant. Yet every guest experiences seamless service, which leads to a 5-star experience….

Enhancing Doctor & Dental Lab Communication in the Digital Age

By Lee Culp, CDT | March 31, 2026

By: Lee Culp, CDTThis article originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Culp granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The collaboration between doctors and dental labs has undergone a seismic shift with the rise of digital dentistry. Historically, communication between these two essential players in restorative dentistry was limited—often reduced to written instructions and…

Link AI for A-dec+™: A Smarter Way to Manage Your Future Dental Practice

By David Rice | March 31, 2026

By: A-dec® Thinking about your future practice? With all the decisions ahead, here’s an easy one. Your Focus Right Now vs. Your Future Practice Right now, your focus is on clinics, competencies, labs, and exams. When you imagine owning a practice someday, you’re probably excited about: What you may not be so excited about is…