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.
Variolink Esthetic System Review
By: Dr. James Wanamaker When I became a dental practice owner, one of my goals was to…
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…
Hybrid Dentures: When Their Lifespan Runs Out
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Over time, even the best dental work needs attention, nothing is guaranteed for life. Recently, I saw a patient who had chipped a tooth on her lower hybrid denture and loosened an implant screw….
Back to the basics….What is Dental Insurance Credentialing?
By: Angela Holland If you’re a dentist or dental practice owner, you’ve likely encountered the term “insurance credentialing” at some point. While this process may seem daunting, understanding dental insurance credentialing is crucial for your practice’s financial success and the quality of care you provide to your patients. Whether you are just starting your practice,…
The Big Bad Board of Dentistry: What Power Do They Really Have?
Understanding the Authority of the Florida Board of Dentistry By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH For many dental professionals, the Florida Board of Dentistry feels like a looming presence, often associated with disciplinary actions, complaints, and investigations. The very mention of an inquiry can strike fear into even the most diligent practitioners. But what authority…
Are All Dental Whitening The Same?
By: Dr. David Rice As a young dentist, hygienist or assistant, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with teeth whitening today. We have: So, are they all the same? Which delivery system is best? As a dental pro, how do I make the best recommendations to my patients? Future Dentists Take on Teeth Whitening Options Have…
No Prep Veneers: Minimal Intervention, Maximum Impact
By: Michael Eid As dentists, preserving natural tooth structure is a top priority. No Prep Veneers offer a way to enhance smiles without sacrificing precious enamel. In this blog, I’ll share insights on how this innovative approach can help achieve the dream smile while keeping your natural teeth intact. What Are No Prep Veneers? No…
Compensation Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
By: Garrett Wilson You’re trying to set competitive pay for your staff, but finding accurate compensation data is a challenge. So, you call a few peers at other dental offices to compare notes. The problem? Not only is this approach unreliable, it’s also illegal. Employers cannot legally collaborate to set wages, so relying on peer…
Are You Just a Bare Minimum Dentist? The Truth About the Standards You’re Held To
Upholding the Standard of Care in Dentistry By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH As dental professionals, we are responsible for our patients’ health and well-being. However, demanding schedules, high patient volumes, and ingrained habits can create unintended gaps in care. Dentists may go years without scrutiny—until a reported incident places every aspect of a patient’s…
Efficiency of Chlorhexidine Varnish for Tissue Management
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDTopic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Chlorhexidine has had a wide range of uses in dentistry for many years, including maintaining tissue health during periodontal therapy, reducing the risk of caries, and minimizing sensitivity. Along with the positive effects it has,…
Dental Insurance Fee Negotiation Process & Why Hire an Expert
By: Angela Holland Negotiating PPO fees is a crucial yet often overlooked step in maximizing your dental practice’s financial success. Done correctly, PPO fee negotiations can significantly increase insurance collections—without requiring more patients, additional treatments, or increased marketing costs. While the process can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, the results are well worth…
You’re A Practice Owner…How Should You Hire an Associate?
By: Dr. Kaufman I have had at least one associate sometimes two over the last 16 years. I was an associate and that was almost 30 years ago. Here is my take, if you are the practice owner you need to be comfortable sharing your practice. Why Not Have An Associate? Some docs I know…