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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Performing High Accuracy Periodontal Probing & Calibration

By Dr. Sheri Kay, RDH | January 3, 2025

By: Sheri Kay RDHTopic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Kay granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Periodontal probing helps us to evaluate the health of the gingiva and the surrounding periodontium. A key component of doing an accurate assessment is the quality of your perio probes, which locate and measure the depth…

Delayed Gratification and Finances 

By Savanah Craig | January 1, 2025

By: Dr. Savanah Craig Finances have always felt like a hot topic from the time I got my acceptance to dental school. From student loans to the cost of living; job offers to buying a home, it feels like someone is always giving advice about finances. Ironically for as much advice and information that was…

How Dental Insurance Claims are Processed for Reimbursement (Importance of Proper Narratives)

By Angela Holland | January 1, 2025

By: Angela Holland Dental insurance claims are a fundamental part of any dental practice’s revenue cycle. However, the process of getting reimbursed for services rendered can be complex, time-consuming, and often frustrating if not handled properly. One of the most crucial components of a successful claim is the narrative—the detailed explanation of why a particular…

How Dentists Can Save Lives Through Dental Sleep & Airway Education, Emphasizing Oral Systemic Health

By Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson, DMD | December 27, 2024

By: DeWitt Wilkerson, DMDThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com. Dr. Wilkerson granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Dental professionals have long known that the mouth is a gateway to overall health – what happens within the oral cavity can have a direct impact on the rest of the body. And as oral health…

Navigating the Unpredictable Path of Early Dental Practice Ownership with Dr. Gabriela Flores

By Dr. Gabriela Flores | December 26, 2024

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Gabriela FloresEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH The journey into dental practice ownership is as daunting as it is rewarding, particularly for those stepping into it soon after dental school. Dr. Gabriela Flores shares her experience of navigating this complex landscape, offering invaluable insights that resonate with dental professionals and…

Help! My Dental Assistant Is Always Missing When I Need Them

By Ronda Holman | December 24, 2024

By: Ronda Holman It’s a familiar and frustrating scenario: You, the Dentist, are ready to seat the next patient but your dental assistant is missing. Time ticks away, the schedule begins to fall apart, and frustration grows—only to find the assistant casually chatting in the lab or taking an unscheduled break. This situation not only…

The Practice Profit Plan: Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom & Growth

By Dawn Patrick | December 23, 2024

By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Coach and Director of Operations, IgniteDDS Managing a dental practice is more than providing quality patient care. To achieve long-term success, dentists must also focus on financial health—both within their practice and personally. This roadmap offers actionable steps to maximize profitability while maintaining balance in life and business.  Step 1: Set…

The Index Technique: New No-Prep Approach for Worn Dentition

By Riccardo Ammannato, DDS | December 20, 2024

By: Riccardo Ammannato, DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Ammannato granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The goal of treating severely worn teeth is to improve the smile appearance and extend the function of the teeth. To ensure patient comfort and health, achieving stable posterior occlusion and efficient anterior guidance is…

Lifelong Learning and Work-Life Balance in Dentistry: Insights from Chad Duplantis

By Chad Duplantis, D.D.S, F.A.G.D | December 18, 2024

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest:  Dr. Chad DuplantisEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH The world of dentistry is ceaselessly evolving, demanding continuous education and an acute awareness of work-life balance. Chad Duplantis, a seasoned dental professional, shares vital wisdom that transcends the operatory. Duplantis’s dialogue with Tanya Sue Maestas offers a holistic approach necessary for a…

Ecosite One by DMG Review – with Dr. David Rice

By David Rice | December 17, 2024

By: Dr. David Rice Ecosite One by DMG, guys, this is a very cool composite I just reviewed. Watch my quick video below or read on for more details. Key Takeaways: Ecosite One is ideal for class ones, twos, and fives. It’s also pretty versatile, meaning we can use it for very conservative preps, all…