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.

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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Boundaries with Heart: How Dental Teams Can Stay Compassionate Without Burning Out 

By Dawn Patrick | June 16, 2025

By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS  In dentistry, we offer much more than clinical care—we offer emotional safety, comfort, and connection. But when patients are anxious, emotional, or even difficult, that emotional labor takes its toll on the team. You’re not just taking impressions and reviewing X-rays—you’re often absorbing fear, grief,…

Co-Discovering Oral Diseases Through Medical History 

By Mary Osborne RDH | June 16, 2025

By: Mary Osborne, RDHThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Osborne granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Take Your Time For Detailed Medical History  The earliest but yet the most powerful tool toward accurate diagnosis is detailed patient’s medical history. But to get the desired information that we need from patients for diagnosing…

Why Submitting Claims to Dental Insurance Under a Provider Not Rendering Treatment is Insurance Fraud

By Angela Holland | June 16, 2025

By: Angela Holland In the world of dental insurance, accuracy isn’t just important, it’s essential. When it comes to submitting dental claims, one of the most critical pieces of information is the rendering provider, the licensed dentist who actually performed the service. Whether you’re a single-practice office or part of a larger dental network, it…

Draw the Line: How to Hold Your Team Accountable Without the Drama

By Dawn Patrick | June 10, 2025

By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS  As a dental practice owner or manager, you work hard to create a positive, high-performing team culture. But what happens when a team member continuously falls short of expectations? Allowing poor performance to persist damages morale, impacts patient care, and affects profitability. That’s why…

The Importance of Making Time for Time Off from Work

By Louis Kaufman DDS, FAGD, MBA | June 10, 2025

By: Dr. Kaufman One of the most important lessons I can share with my colleagues is taking time off from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While this might seem like an indulgence it is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Rest serves as a catalyst for increased productivity. Dentistry is mentally and…

Class II Preparation and Restoration: High-Yield Guide for D1 Students 

By Michael Eid | June 9, 2025

By: Michael Eid Class II preparation and restoration are where things get real. You’re now dealing with proximal surfaces, tight contacts, and matrix systems. This guide simplifies it all for you. What Is a Class II Cavity?  Location: Proximal surfaces (mesial/distal) of posterior teeth  Class II Preparation Steps  Occlusal Portion  Proximal Box  Matrix & Wedge Tips …

Breathing and Airway Support in Pediatric Dentistry

By Steve Carstensen, DDS | June 9, 2025

By: Steve Carstensen DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Carstensen granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. I want to share a clear example of how bad sleep directly affects the anatomical structures dentists pay a lot of attention to—the mandibular condyles.   Sleep Disruption Disrupts Jaw Bone Regeneration  We’ve all seen on X-rays…

First Practice? Get Savings, Support for a ‘Smart Start’

By David Rice | June 9, 2025

By: A-decTopic originally appeared on DentalProductShopper.com, they granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. A-dec program offers equipment savings, expert guidance, and complimentary services to ensurefirst-time practice owners get off to a smooth start Struggling with a lengthy wish list of equipment for your first practice? For many dentists, it’s an experience that likely…

Stop the Revolving Door: Rethink Your Onboarding Strategy 

By Dawn Patrick | June 2, 2025

By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS  In a busy dental practice, it’s easy to assume a new hire will “figure things out” after a few shadowing shifts. But that’s a fast track to burnout—for the new team member and for the team trying to train them on the fly. Onboarding…

Relationship-Based Dental Practices: Avoiding Judgmental Stories About Patients

By Michael Rogers, DDS | June 2, 2025

By: Michael Rogers, DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Rogers granted ignitedds permission to share with our readers. Near my dental office, there’s a small strip center that includes a realty group and a small church that creates a significant daily line of cars that go through a drive-through window. Cars line up waiting…