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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Help Your Dental Assistant Understand Raises Are About Contribution – Not Just Time Served

By Ronda Holman | January 27, 2025

By: Ronda Holman In any workplace, the idea that “time served” automatically warrants a raise can create misunderstandings. While tenure shows loyalty, raises should reflect the value added to the dental practice. Helping your dental assistant understand this principle is crucial to maintaining a positive work environment while emphasizing performance and growth. Shift the Conversation:…

Careful Prescription of Medications for Geriatric Patients

By Dr. Lee Ann Brady | January 24, 2025

By: Lee Ann Brady, DMD This topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Geriatric patients are more prone to systemic diseases and usually are on medications that can interfere with oral diagnosis and treatment outcomes or have potential side effects. Screen Medications of Geriatric Patients It’s better…

Future Proof Your Operatory

By David Rice | January 22, 2025

By: A-dec With a history steeped in innovation, reliability, and customer care,A-dec® has unveiled cutting-edge technology that makes it easy for dentists to optimize patient care, improve ergonomics, and grow the dental practice. Download the PDF version now Improved Connectivity: A Better Patient Experience The new A-dec Pro delivery system and its A-dec+ software open…

Cultivating Excellence Through Team Dynamics with Dr. Gabriella Flores

By Dr. Gabriela Flores | January 20, 2025

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Gabriela FloresEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH In today’s competitive dental world, creating a successful practice goes beyond technical skills. Success often hinges on mastering team dynamics and building a cohesive, positive work environment. This article, inspired by insights from Dr. Gabriela Flores, a newer practice owner, explores key strategies…

Dental Occlusion in Complete Dentistry

By Dr. Neeraj Khanna, DDS | January 17, 2025

By: Dr. Neeraj Khanna, DDSThe topic originally appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com. Dr. Khanna granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Many of us began our dental careers as tooth-by-tooth dentists. We examined each tooth individually, treating the biological needs of what we saw, and moved on to the next. When restorations fail, we often…

The Importance of Insurance Fee Negotiations for Dental Practices

By Angela Holland | January 15, 2025

Boost Reimbursements and Improve Cash Flow By: Angela Holland In the ever-evolving world of dental care, financial health plays a crucial role in the success and longevity of your practice. As a dental provider, a significant portion of your revenue comes from insurance reimbursements. Without a steady and sufficient stream of payments from insurance companies,…

The Dentist’s Roadmap to a Record-Breaking Year: 9 Steps for Success

By Dawn Patrick | January 13, 2025

By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS  The beginning of a new year is always filled with possibilities. As a dental practice owner, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and realign your goals to ensure a prosperous year ahead. But goal setting alone won’t guarantee success—execution and accountability are what…

Accurate X-Ray Records: Best Practices for Dental Teams

By Dr. Laura S. Harkin, DMD | January 10, 2025

By: Laura S. Harkin, DMD This Topic Originally Appeared On Pankeygram.Org Radiographic imaging is an important diagnostic aid tool in dentistry, along with clinical examination. They help clinicians identify many pathologies, abnormalities, and tooth-related problems that can’t be seen during patient examinations. Therefore, accurate capturing and interpreting of X-ray records is critical for accurate diagnosis and…

Silent Sabotage: Uncover and Prevent Embezzlement in Your Dental Practice

By Dawn Patrick | January 8, 2025

By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS  Embezzlement is a risk that no dental practice owner can afford to overlook. While you may trust your team, the unique dynamics of dental offices—where small teams handle large cash flows—make them particularly vulnerable to internal fraud. Studies indicate that up to 60% of…

Navigating the Financial Landscape of Dentistry from Student Loans to Ownership: with Dr. Gabriella Flores

By Dr. Gabriela Flores | January 6, 2025

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Gabriela FloresEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Dentistry is more than just a clinical profession; it involves navigating a complex financial landscape that one must master to build a successful career. In a recent discussion on Dental Fuel, seasoned professionals Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas and Dr. Gabriela Flores share their…