![]()
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.
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,…
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…
The Importance of Dental Photography
By: Zach Sisler Photography is a skill that often gets overlooked by recent dental school graduates, but it can be an essential tool at every step of running your practice. If you’re an esthetic dentist or trying to advertise on social media, taking a good picture is a skill you need for obvious reasons. But…
7 Reasons Dentists Choose Their Dentists
By: Dr. David Rice Want to guarantee you’re seeing the right dentist? Here is how we dentists choose our dentist, and I’m thinking we have the inside scoop that will help you! 7 Ways Dentists Choose The Right Dentists Check out these seven reasons how we dentists choose our dentists: 1. Get in the know…
Advice for Third Year Dental Students Starting a Clinic
By: Dr. Sable Muntean Starting third year clinical can be one of the most intimidating parts of dental school. Learning in a classroom is one thing, but it’s quite another to start applying what you’ve learned to real people and real situations. 4 Tips to Help Third Year Dental Students Succeed Here are some words…
How to Succeed in Aesthetic Dentistry
By: Cappy Sinclair Aesthetic dentistry is one of the most exciting and rewarding niches in our industry, and a lot of young dentists find themselves wanting to move into the field. But breaking into that niche can be challenging! Finding success there requires certain skills which might not always be obvious. 4 Ways to Succeed…
How to Best Work with Patients on Clear Aligners
By: Allison Lacoursiere Clear aligners have made themselves incredibly important to our industry in a very short span of time. Knowing how to work transparently with patients, make them aware of the benefits of orthodontics, and secure a buy-in is essential for today’s dentists. 4 Ways to Work with Patients on Clear Aligners Here are…
Misconceptions about Dental Insurance
By: Teresa Duncan One of the big issues that new dentists face is learning the ins and outs of insurance — it’s a lot of paperwork! A lot of dentists find themselves confused fighting a mountain of red tape. 4 Common Dental Insurance Misconceptions In case this sounds like you, here are four common misconceptions…
The Real Cost to Acquire a Dental Practice
By: Bruce Bryen The dental school graduate is ready to acquire a dental practice and wants to understand how much it really costs: You have been a dental school graduate for the last five years and have been working as an associate in someone’s dental practice. The clinical skills you have learned have gotten you…
Clinic Advice for D3s & D4s
By: Savannah Craig Starting clinic can come with a lot of conflicting feelings. It is exciting to finally be treating patients, but it can also be a stressful experience. Everyone enters clinic with a different level of confidence, skill, and a unique patient pool. Treating patients can be a very rewarding experience, but it can…
The hidden cost to acquire a dental practice
By: Bruce Bryen A dental school graduate that has worked as an associate and learned from a mentor or owner may now be looking for that first dental practice acquisition. There are many things to think through before buying a dental practice, since this is probably the largest purchase and borrowing step that has ever been…
Does Your Back Hurt? This Simple Product Can Save Your Back!
By: Amber Auger, RDH Near to my heart is helping hygienists have healthier, happier careers, and I believe it starts with an honest assessment of our health. It’s difficult to find joy at work when dealing with back pain, and sadly most hygienists report chronic pain. Previously, I’ve shared my experience working in a small…


