All in the family

Rathdrum was all smiles when Dr. James McNamara began his dental practice in 1977. After all, there hadn’t been a dentist in town for 35 years. He was the first dentist there since Dr. Hollister retired in 1942.

Last year, McNamara’s son, Nick, teamed with his father. The two dentists are keeping Rathdrum’s teeth in top shape.

James McNamara grew up in Massepequa Park, N.Y., then moved to Parma Heights, Ohio, where he attended high school and decided to become a dentist. McNamara’s dentist at the time, in Cleveland, influenced him as did other factors.

“I wanted to become a veterinarian for years, but after attending an orientation with my father at Ohio State, it lost its appeal after seeing some large animal operations. I still wanted to stay in the medical field, yet investing the time required to become a physician didn’t interest me,” McNamara said.

McNamara worked in a clinic in Columbus, Ohio, for a time after graduation from Ohio State University, in September of 1975. He took the Idaho boards nine months later.

“I consider my career starting in Rathdrum.”

McNamara, father of three, enjoys the area’s outdoor activities; he and his wife, Jody, enjoy hiking, skiing and scuba diving. They also enjoy the area’s clean air and water.

And he enjoys his life’s work in Rathdrum.

“Interesting things about my years here involve the growth of the area and the interesting personalities I have met,” he said. “I like meeting people and helping them with their dental needs and wants.”

Nick McNamara feels the same way.

“I enjoy the personal interaction as well as the ability to make people feel and look better,” he said.

He attended dental school at Creighton University, in Omaha, Neb., graduating in May 2004. He remembers dental school well, trying times included.

“It was organized hell, with sporadic days off that made it all worthwhile.”

Growing up, his father let him work for an allowance outside the office, mowing lawns and picking up pine cones. Eventually, Nick was brought inside and observed his father working.

“Over the course of many years, I became more and more involved with patients and their overall well-being, and after considering medical school in undergraduate studies, I decided to return to the community to provide oral health care.” Nick says that his father never pressured him in the direction of dental education, but his parents were happy with his choice.

“I find that about 30 percent of the students in American dental schools are sons or daughters of dentists,” he said.

Nick volunteered in the Dominican Republic near Haiti. This work opened his heart and eyes to the increasing need for health-related services worldwide, and shaped his vision for the future.

“I want to contribute to the community that I grew up with and love, and increasingly volunteer my services here and abroad.”

And he is in Rathdrum to stay. He loves the four beautiful seasons and fantastic recreation. He and his wife, Shilo, enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. He also loves his patients.

The McNamaras offer most standard and specialty dental applications, including child and adolescent orthodontics; Invisalign for adults; extractions, including wisdom teeth; ceramic crowns; dentures; periodontal therapy; and cosmetic fillings are offered.

Family care is important to them.

“We like to take care of families and do a lot of basic, cavity-elimination dentistry – not something that is promoted much in advertising anymore,” James said. “We offer Friday and Saturday appointments, and this fall we’ll start 6 a.m. appointments during weekdays.”

James McNamara encourages others to consider dentistry as a career. He says it’s a rewarding field that allows you to use your hands and head in a business you can set up yourself.

“I moved to Rathdrum, Idaho, from Columbus, Ohio, without knowing a soul in the state. I just knew I would be happy with the environment and the people with a couple of short visits. This career allows you to create a business virtually anywhere, as there will always be a need where there are people,” he said.

Evidently Nick’s younger brother, Ryan, agrees. He graduated from the University of Washington’s Dental School last May, and is currently in residency in San Antonio.

In September James McNamara will mark 30 years in dental practice and has no plans to retire.

“Nick is going to take over my practice someday, but I will continue to work for some time, as I continue to enjoy it.”