At James M Blake, DDS, we believe that exceptional dental care begins with exceptional people. Our dental practice is built on a foundation of trust, exceptional expertise, and genuine care for each patient who walks through our doors in Hamburg, New York.
Led by Dr. James M. Blake, our practice has been serving the Western New York community for nearly four decades with a commitment to combining state-of-the-art technology with personalized, compassionate care. Dr. Blake's vision of modern dentistry emphasizes thorough diagnostics, patient education, and achieving beautiful, lasting results that enhance both oral health and overall well-being.
Joining Dr. Blake is Dr. Gregory Guth, whose fresh perspective and enthusiasm bring new energy to our established practice. Together, they represent a perfect blend of seasoned experience and innovative approaches to dental care.
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, M.D., and Dr. Carol Cooley-Guth, M.D., 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 when he began working 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 (D.D.S.) 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 traces back to 2008 when he learned the art of homemade wine making 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.