Damon Liesse
Clearwater,FL
Summary
Accomplished in transforming dental laboratory operations, I spearheaded business growth and process optimization at National Dentex Corporation, leveraging skills in collaborative leadership and CAD/CAM technology.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Director Digital Innovation
National Dentex Corporation
11.2023 - Current
- Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
- Key focus on digital dentures, aligners, full arch implant restorations and workflows, new resin development, SLM partial frame printing, automation in zirconia crowns, guiding manufactures on future resins for NDX benefits.
Director of Technical Operations
National Dentex Corporation
05.2021 - Current
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project delivery, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Championed process improvements through data-driven analysis, identifying inefficiencies and recommending actionable solutions.
- Managed the Process Improvement Team that supported the networks CAD/CAM, mills, printers, intraoral scan portals, 3Shape, Exocad, resins.
- Tested, developed resins and materials for manufacturing.
- Developed new digital workflows for manufacturing dental appliances.
- Trained members of my team in project planning, testing, support and development.
AVP Digital Technology
Dental Service Group
04.2017 - 05.2021
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project delivery, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Championed process improvements through data-driven analysis, identifying inefficiencies and recommending actionable solutions.
- Managed the Process Improvement Team that supported the networks CAD/CAM, mills, printers, intraoral scan portals, 3Shape, Exocad, resins.
- Tested, developed resins and materials for manufacturing.
- Developed new digital workflows for manufacturing dental appliances.
- Trained members of my team in project planning, testing, support and development.
- Same responsibilities as role with NDX Director of Technical Operations. The team was called Advanced Digital Technology team. I reported directly to our CEO for the last two years.
- 2018 - 2020 I was also the general manager of DSG Clearwater and moved from Seattle to Clearwater.
Vice President of Operations West Coast
Dental Service Group
11.2015 - 05.2017
- Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
- Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
- Responsible for 8 dental labs on the west coast that were part of the Novadent acquisition.
- Responsible for 2 legacy DSG labs and the new Paramount acquisition.
Operations Manager
Novadent
04.2013 - 11.2015
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Responsible for 7 labs on the west coast and 1 on the east coast called Harmony.
- Responsible for sales team, marketing, sales growth initiatives, website development, content, marketing pieces, new products and development with vendor partners.
- Reported directly to the CEO and was hired to get Novadent ready to sell.
General Manager
Aurum Group
04.2002 - 03.2013
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Managed a full service laboratory that provided, fixed, crown and bridge, implants, dentures, partials, orthodontic appliances, cosmetic full mouth, comprehensive full arch implant cases and chairside services.
- Developed new products for corporate and developed marketing, sales and implementation.
- Trained and developed sales managers.
- Supported Dr.'s chairside with full arch conversions and full arch cosmetic cases at the Las Vegas Institute.
- Worked at the bench as an implant technician and CAD/CAM specialist while managing the lab. Quality controlled and case planned all restorative work.
- Managed two locations, 35 employees and 2 sales reps.
- Grew the lab 20% year over year for three straight years.
Sales Manager
Aurum Group
04.2000 - 04.2002
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Grew sales 35% in first year.
- Top sales performer in the Aurum Group with 13 laboratories.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Washington State University
Pullman, WA05.1997
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA05.1994
Skills
- Collaborative Leadership
- Team Management
- Team Building and Motivation
- Organizational Development
- Implant and CAD/CAM Technician
- Chairside Conversion Specialist
- Chairside Full Mouth LVI Specialist
- Trained in every field of the dental laboratory manufacturing process from analog to digital
Certification
NADL University Certification
Nobel Procera Certification
3Shape Certification
PTC Aurum Academy Certification
Gazelles Rockefeller Habits Certification
ADA Working Committee Member Digital Dentures
Exocad Training
Timeline
Sr. Director Digital Innovation
National Dentex Corporation
11.2023 - Current
Director of Technical Operations
National Dentex Corporation
05.2021 - Current
AVP Digital Technology
Dental Service Group
04.2017 - 05.2021
Vice President of Operations West Coast
Dental Service Group
11.2015 - 05.2017
Operations Manager
Novadent
04.2013 - 11.2015
General Manager
Aurum Group
04.2002 - 03.2013
Sales Manager
Aurum Group
04.2000 - 04.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Washington State University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Columbia Basin College
NADL University Certification
Nobel Procera Certification
3Shape Certification
PTC Aurum Academy Certification
Gazelles Rockefeller Habits Certification
ADA Working Committee Member Digital Dentures
Exocad Training
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