Meet the Team at James Blake, DDS

Dr. James Blake

Dr. James M. Blake is the owner and principal dentist at James M Blake, DDS, PC, where he has been creating beautiful, healthy smiles for nearly four decades. With a practice philosophy centered on combining careful examination, diagnostics, planning, patient education, and treatment to achieve gratifying restorative results, Dr. Blake has built his reputation on delivering exceptional dental care with a personal touch.

Education and Training

Dr. Blake's educational journey began at Canisius College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1981, complemented by minors in English, Anthropology, and Psychology. He continued his dental education at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1985. Following graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency at Millard Fillmore Hospital in 1986, where his professional and personal paths would intersect in the most serendipitous way.

A Life-Changing Decision

One of the most significant moments in Dr. Blake's life came in 1985 when he faced a pivotal career decision. Though accepted into the U.S. Air Force to pursue a combined degree in Oral Surgery and Medicine, his instincts led him instead to accept his residency at Buffalo's Millard Fillmore Hospital. This decision proved fortuitous in ways he never could have imagined. It was there he met his wife of 39 years, the former Barbara Malady, BSN. In a delightful twist of fate, Barbara turned out to be the sister of one of his high school classmates. Together, they have raised four children and built a life centered on family, faith, and service to their community.

Professional Journey

Dr. Blake entered the dental field in 1986, initially working as an associate in several private practices. This experience provided valuable insights into practice management and patient care, helping him identify both what he appreciated and what he wanted to improve upon in dental practice operations. In 1990, driven by his vision for modern, patient-centered care, Dr. Blake opened his own practice from the ground up, emphasizing state-of-the-art equipment and contemporary dental practices.

His path to dentistry was far from predetermined. Upon graduating from Canisius High School, Dr. Blake faced an enviable array of opportunities: a full academic scholarship to Cornell University for Architecture, a full tuition scholarship to Cooper Union for Art, and acceptance into Case Western Reserve University's combined six-year pre-med/Dentistry program. Ultimately, choosing an unlimited full tuition scholarship to Canisius College, he used this opportunity to explore his diverse interests before settling on dentistry. This field uniquely combines his passions for artistic creativity, complex design work, and medical practice.

Beyond the Practice

Dr. Blake's commitment to education extends beyond patient care. For the past 16 years, he has served as an instructor for third and fourth-year students at his alma mater, SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, sharing his expertise with the next generation of dental professionals.

His dedication to community service is equally impressive. Together with his wife, Dr. Blake has volunteered for over 30 years at Saints Peter and Paul Grade School and the Roman Catholic Church. He also devoted 14 years to coaching youth amateur hockey, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring young people both within and outside the dental field.

Personal Interests

When not practicing dentistry or teaching, Dr. Blake pursues his passion for destination fishing with remarkable enthusiasm. He is a veteran of numerous remote fly-in fishing expeditions north of the Arctic Circle, deep-sea fishing adventures off the Florida coast, and charter salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. His adventurous spirit continues unabated, with an exciting trip planned for November to fish for Striped Marlin off Baja California.

Dr. Blake also enjoys more traditional outdoor pursuits, including snow skiing and gardening, activities that provide him with relaxation and connection to nature.

Dr. Gregory Guth

Dr. Gregory Guth brings a unique blend of artistic sensibility, scientific rigor, and genuine care to James M Blake, DDS, PC, where he joined the team in December 2024. As the newest member of the practice, Dr. Guth shares Dr. Blake's commitment to providing exceptional dental care while bringing his own fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the Hamburg community.

Born and raised in Western New York, Dr. Guth comes from a distinguished family of healthcare professionals. As the son of prominent area physicians, Dr. Kenneth Guth, MD, and Dr. Carol Cooley-Guth, MD, he was exposed to the healing arts from an early age. This family influence would eventually guide him toward his own calling in healthcare, though his path to dentistry was anything but conventional.

Educational Journey

Dr. Guth's educational background reflects his diverse interests and talents. He attended Canisius High School in Buffalo before pursuing higher education at SUNY Geneseo, where he studied Piano and English, earning his Bachelor of Arts in English. His passion for learning led him to continue his studies at SUNY Buffalo, where he earned his Master's degree in Biology.

With healthcare beckoning, influenced in part by his physician parents, Dr. Guth took a pivotal step in 2015 by beginning work as a dental assistant. Within just two weeks of this experience, he discovered his true calling. The combination of artistry, science, and patient care inherent in dentistry captivated him completely, and he knew he had found his career path.

Committed to this new direction, Dr. Guth returned to school and attended SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating with his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2023. He further honed his skills by completing his general practice residency training at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), ensuring he was well-prepared to provide comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Guth maintains active membership in several prestigious dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, and the Eighth District Dental Society. These affiliations reflect his commitment to staying current with the latest developments in dental science and maintaining the highest professional standards.

Beyond Dentistry

Dr. Guth's interests extend well beyond the dental office, showcasing a well-rounded personality that enriches both his personal life and professional practice. His musical talents are particularly noteworthy. He has served as a church organist for over 20 years, bringing joy and spiritual enrichment to his congregation through his musical ministry.

When not practicing dentistry or playing music, Dr. Guth enjoys working on cars, a hobby that allows him to apply his technical skills in a different arena. 

One of Dr. Guth's most distinctive hobbies dates back to 2008, when he learned the art of homemade winemaking from his father. This skill has become a cherished tradition and serious pursuit. In his most productive year, he bottled an impressive 12 cases of wine. This passion for winemaking reflects his attention to detail, patience, and appreciation for traditional crafts, qualities that serve him well in his dental practice.

Dr. Guth is excited to build relationships with patients in the Hamburg community and provide the high-quality dental care that James M Blake, DDS, PC is known for. His combination of technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and genuine care for patient well-being makes him a valuable addition to the practice team.

Barb

Office Manager

Barb is the office manager at James M Blake, DDS, PC, where she brings organizational expertise and genuine warmth to every patient interaction. With a background in nursing, including a BSN from SUNY Buffalo School of Nursing, Barb transitioned into dentistry in 2010 after retiring from active clinical practice. Her healthcare experience and natural compassion make her an invaluable part of our team.

As our office manager, Barb ensures that our practice runs smoothly and that every patient feels welcomed and cared for. What she loves most about her role is the opportunity to interact with so many interesting and valued patients, building meaningful relationships that go beyond the typical patient-provider experience.

When she's not managing the office, Barb's life is full and vibrant. She's a proud mother of four and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild. You'll often find her enjoying outdoor walks with her beloved dog, traveling to new places, or spending quality time with friends and family. Barb is also an accomplished chef, a skill she's honed with passion and creativity, and she loves sharing her culinary talents with those around her.

If you want to know Barb's one true weakness, just ask about ice cream. She'll happily admit it's her favorite indulgence! 

Althea

Dental Assistant and Receptionist

Althea is an assistant and receptionist at James M Blake, DDS, PC, and she's the friendly face and voice that often greets patients when they arrive. Trained at Remington College in Nashville, Tennessee, Althea has been working in the dental field since 2010 and has been part of our practice since 2017.

What's especially meaningful about Althea's journey is that her path to dentistry was inspired by personal experience. As a patient who spent considerable time in the dental chair, she developed a genuine appreciation for the field and decided to make it her career. That patient perspective gives her unique empathy and understanding when working with our visitors.

In the practice, Althea shines brightest when she's doing what she loves most, making people laugh! Her humor and warmth help patients feel at ease, transforming what can be a stressful experience into a more pleasant, comfortable one.

Outside of the office, Althea stays busy with her passions. She's an avid thrift shopper with an eye for treasures, particularly vintage finds, for her impressive salt-and-pepper shaker collection. She also enjoys working on her house, continuously improving her space and making it her own.

Here's a fun surprise: before embracing her dental career, Althea worked as a head chef at a restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area! A background that clearly demonstrates her creative talents and passion for excellence. Whether she's bringing smiles to patient faces or hunting for the perfect vintage piece, Althea brings enthusiasm and genuine care to everything she does.

Kara

Certified Dental Assistant

Kara is a certified dental assistant at James M Blake, DDS, PC, bringing energy, compassion, and enthusiasm to every patient interaction. She completed her dental assisting training at ECC Dental Assisting School and has been part of our practice since 2022, making her a valued and growing member of our team.

What drives Kara's work is her genuine desire to help people and make a positive difference in their lives. She finds real fulfillment in assisting patients in need and, most importantly, making them smile—both literally and figuratively. Her approach to dentistry stems from her love of working with people, combined with her curiosity about dental science. The intersection of patient care and learning keeps her engaged and motivated in her role.

Outside of the office, Kara is a woman of many interests. She's an enthusiastic shopper who loves hunting for great finds, and she's equally passionate about cooking. Whether she's creating delicious meals or spending time with friends and family, Kara brings her signature enthusiasm to everything she does.

At home, Kara shares her life with two wonderful dogs, a charming pug, and a stunning husky/shepherd mix with striking icy blue eyes. Anyone who's met them knows they're quite the pair! Her love for her pups is evident, and they're lucky to have such a caring companion.

Susan

RDH - Dental Hygienist

Susan is a registered dental hygienist at James M Blake, DDS, PC, bringing decades of healthcare expertise and genuine compassion to patient care. She graduated from ECC School of Dental Hygiene and has been a dedicated healthcare professional since 1984, becoming a cornerstone of our practice upon joining us in 2024.

Susan's path to dental hygiene is a meaningful one. She began her healthcare career in nursing, where a profound experience with an elderly patient shaped her perspective. As the only caregiver who could convince this patient to care for herself, Susan developed a deep understanding of the power of education and encouragement. When her patient suddenly passed away, Susan realized she wanted to pursue a healthcare profession focused on prevention and wellness rather than acute care. Dental hygiene became her calling, a field where she could help people take control of their own health and prevent problems before they become serious.

In her role, Susan's favorite aspect of work is precisely what drew her to the profession: working with people and educating patients on how to better care for themselves. Her patient-centered approach and extensive experience make her an invaluable member of our team.

Beyond the practice, Susan leads an active and adventurous life. She loves boating and spending quality time with friends and family. She also serves as a part-time dispatch manager for her husband's trucking firm, a role that showcases her organizational skills and work ethic. Here's the impressive part: Susan can drive an 18-wheeler and has actually driven one all the way to Florida! 

Marissa

Dental Assistant

Marissa has been working in dentistry since 2017 and joined Dr. Blake and Dr. Guth's practice in 2025. Her journey into dental care began in childhood. She was one of those rare kids who actually looked forward to dental appointments. As she grew older, she turned that enthusiasm into a fulfilling career.

Marissa earned her Associate's degree in dental lab technology from Erie Community College, bringing both technical expertise and genuine warmth to her role as a dental assistant. What she loves most about her work is the opportunity to connect with people. Whether it's learning fun facts from patients or sharing laughs with her teammates, she's committed to helping patients feel calm and comfortable, and her positive attitude brightens every day at the practice.

When she's not at work, Marissa enjoys curling up with a good book or spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, or simply taking in the beauty of nature. She's also a creative spirit with a talent for arts and crafts, particularly macrame. One thing that might surprise you about Marissa? She's an avid photographer who has taken classes to hone her skills and has even entered her photos into yearly calendar contests.