DenMat has hired Felix Silva, CDT as its new director of laboratory operations. Effective 15 Mar 2022, Silva has taken over the leadership of the company’s dental laboratory focusing on high-end aesthetic fixed restorations, implant services and clear orthodontic aligners.
“We are thrilled to have Felix on the team,” said Robert Cartagena, COO of DenMat. “We conducted a thorough search and Felix’s background and experience align perfectly with the leadership needs of our world-class dental laboratory here in California. The combination of years of experience in managing highly aesthetic labs coupled with his deep experience and skills in lean manufacturing will help drive even more growth in the DenMat laboratory for years to come.”
As director of laboratory operations, Silva will report directly to Nicholas Gonzales, vice-president of manufacturing, and is responsible for the management of the laboratory’s workforce, as well as developing and implementing growth strategies as the company continues to expand the products and services offered.
“Felix is exactly the type of leader our lab needs. Our customers trust us with their most complex restorative cases” says David Casper, CEO of DenMat. “With his background and education, Felix will help us continue to exceed their expectations.”
Silva began his career in dental technology graduating from Texas State Technical College in 1989. He earned a fast-track into management by owning and operating several dental laboratories, implementing internal control policies and procedures that increased both analogue and digital production while minimising costs through process improvements and efficiencies.
Silva brings 33 years of experience to DenMat developed during a rich and varied career in dental technology. Coming from both vice-president of operations and director of laboratory operations positions at National Dentex and Dental Services Group, his scope of experience has spanned all aspects of management, including production, marketing, sales, team building, leadership, digital technology implementation and operational strategies.
Spurring his desire and passion to bring the latest and greatest technology to his team, Silva is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), faculty member at Spears Education, and has attended Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI Global).
