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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What is Function and Aesthetics in Dentistry?

By Dr. Neeraj Khanna, DDS | September 13, 2024

By: Dr. Neeraj KhannaTopic originally appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com. Dr. Khanna granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Let’s face it – it’s an image-conscious world we live in. Patients often walk into dental offices with a single goal: achieving that perfect smile (while treating other underlying issues.) However, this focus on aesthetics can…

Navigating Financial Pitfalls in Dentistry: Insights from Dr. Naved Fatmi

By Dr. Naved Fatmi | September 11, 2024

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Naved FatmiEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Welcome back to another episode of Dental Fuel, the podcast that delves into the rarely discussed middle stages of dental practices—the mistakes and learnings that shape success. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Naved Fatmi return to share his valuable…

From Erbium to Solea: Falling in Love with Pediatric Dentistry Again

By Dr. Jennifer Bryk Hechko, DDS, MS, FAAPD | September 9, 2024

By: Jennifer Bryk Hechko, DDS, MS, FAAPDTopic originally appeared on ConvergentDental.com. Dr. Hechko granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. My Solea Story started back in May of 2017 when I purchased a practice that had an erbium laser. That laser served as a really nice coat rack for a couple of years…

Going Beyond Traditional Dentistry To Improve Dental Care

By Dr. Bill Gregg, DDS | September 6, 2024

By: Bill Gregg DDSTopic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Gregg granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Lately, we see a positive tendency of the dental profession to improve the approach to how we take care of our patients. The fear most patients have of the dentist usually comes from traditional dentistry, when…

The Race to the Finish Line with Ecosite Elements

By Sable Muntean | September 4, 2024

By: Sable A Muntean, DMD, MHSAThis article originally appeared on DMG-Connect.com. Dr. Muntean granted permission for it to be shared with igniteDDS readers. It is a super busy day at the office and you have a patient walk in with two chipped front teeth that need to be addressed because he has a big business…

Transitioning from Dental School to Clinical Practice

By Savanah Craig | September 2, 2024

By: Dr. Savanah Craig After spending 4 years of my life in an academic environment surrounded by the minute details of dentistry, the transition to clinical practice can be challenging. Difficulties Transitioning from Dental School to Clinical Practice These aspects of dentistry have been challenges faced by every new graduate from dental school. Technical Knowledge…

Occlusal Examination: Why and How

By Dr. Bill Gregg, DDS | August 30, 2024

By: Bill Gregg DDSThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Gregg gave permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The occlusal examination during hygiene assessment is important to maintain a healthy patient dentition and to ensure that the temporomandibular joint is functioning properly. This will help prevent any upcoming symptoms like muscle pain, which…

Embracing the Journey: Lessons from Expanding Dental Practices

By Dr. Naved Fatmi | August 28, 2024

Dr. Naved Fatmi shares his experiences in expanding dental practices. Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Naved FatmiEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Scaling a dental practice comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In a revealing episode of the “Dental Fuel” podcast, Dr. Naved Fatmi shares his experiences in expanding his dental operations…

Correcting a Dental Assistant Who Chronically Cross-Contaminates in a Dental Office

By Ronda Holman | August 26, 2024

Cross-contamination in a dental office poses serious risks to both patients and staff. By: Ronda Holman When a dental assistant frequently engages in behaviors that lead to cross-contamination, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly and constructively. Here’s how to effectively manage and correct this situation: Assess the Knowledge Gap Start by identifying whether the…

How Do You Know If You Achieved Centric Relation?

By Dr. Leonard Hess, DDS | August 23, 2024

By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThis article originally appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com, Dr. Hess allowed igniteDDS to share with our readers. When we talk about utilizing bimanual manipulation as a way to get centric relation, one of the biggest misunderstandings we see is the tendency for dentists to think CR is achieved…