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…My Dental Assistant Won’t Restock the Treatment Rooms

By Ronda Holman | July 29, 2024

By: Ronda Holman My name is Ronda Holman and I have been sitting across from a dentist for a living for the last 25 years. I thought it might be time to make some written confessions about what I have been guilty of over the years and how my dentist effectively molded me into their…

Maximizing Team Member Engagement

By Dr. Mark Kleive DDS | July 26, 2024

By: Mark Kleive DDSThis article originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Kleive granted permission for igniteDDS to share it with our readers. Keeping your team members motivated and actively participating throughout the year is no small feat. Without a solid communication-based framework,  things can easily fall apart, undermining the cohesion and productivity of your practice. During…

Cultivating Team Synergy in Dental Practice Management: Insights from the Trenches

By Savanah Craig | July 24, 2024

Dentistry, while rooted in medical science, is profoundly shaped by the personalities at play within a practice. The realm of managing a dental team extends beyond clinical skills, delving into the nuanced art of fostering a positive workplace culture that ultimately reflects in patient satisfaction. Join Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor as they…

Quick Take: Elevating Common Dental  Procedures with the Solea

By David Rice | July 22, 2024

By: David Rice, DDS The Solea® All-Tissue Dental Laser from Convergent Dental is a breakthrough dental technology that enables dentists to perform a wide range of anesthesia-free, blood-free, and pain-free procedures in hard- and soft-tissue. Those who have an interest in lasers understand that Solea’s unique 9.3-micron CO2 technology makes it superior in handling anesthesia-free…

Know Your Patients: One of the Keys to Successful Treatment

By Dr. Mike Crete, DDS | July 19, 2024

By: Mike Crete DDSThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Crete granted permission for it to be shared with igniteDDS readers. Have you ever found yourself explaining a treatment plan to a patient, only to be met with a blank stare and silence for a minute? It’s a common scenario indicating that while the patient…

Redefining Success: Insights from Dental Professionals on Career Fulfillment

By Savanah Craig | July 17, 2024

In a world where the definition of success is often blurred by societal expectations and personal aspirations, two rising dental professionals engage in a candid conversation that demystifies the concept of success. Dr. Craig and Dr. Sartor delve into what it means to achieve success in both personal and professional spheres, particularly in the field…

Innovative Dental Technology Increases Efficiency & Production

By Michael T. Kelly, DMD | July 15, 2024

By: Michael T. Kelly, DMDThis topic originally appeared on ConvergentDental.com. Dr. Kelly granted permission for it to be shared with igniteDDS readers. Michael T. Kelly, DMD of Aesthetic Dentistry of Scottsdale is committed to dental excellence and strives to teach others about advancing dental techniques. He and his team successfully utilize innovative dental technology to…

TMJ 101: The Best TMD Treatment Options For Dentists

By Dr. Leonard Hess, DDS | July 12, 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. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, commonly referred to as TMD, are a set of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. With an estimated prevalence of 5-12% in the general population,…

Navigating Patient Expectations: Insights for Early-Career Dentists

By Savanah Craig | July 10, 2024

Dentistry isn’t just about the technical handling of teeth; it involves the complex task of navigating patient expectations, often overshadowed by immediate clinical challenges. The journey of newly graduated dentists Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor offers a lens into the intricate balancing act of managing patient desires and maintaining professional integrity. This article…

Breaking Barriers to Care: Innovation in Special Needs Dentistry

By Dr. Laura B. Holena, DDS | July 8, 2024

By: Laura B. Holena, DDSThis topic originally appeared on ConvergentDental.com. Dr. Holena granted permission for this content to be shared with igniteDDS readers. There is a crisis in special needs dental care, with patients in some cases waiting years and often having to travel long distances to see a dentist who can accommodate them. For…