Dr. DeLisi Full Biography

Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Military Veteran | Expert in Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Donald C. DeLisi, Jr., DMD

 


Early Life & Education

Dr. Donald C. DeLisi Jr. is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his family still resides. He attended Salesianum High School in Wilmington, Delaware, an esteemed preparatory school where he excelled both academically and athletically. As a First Team All-State football player and team captain, he developed the leadership skills that would shape his career.

He went on to attend Gettysburg College, earning a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Biology and Spanish, graduating with honors. At Gettysburg, he continued his football career, earning First Team All-Academic and All-Conference honors while serving as team captain.

After college, Dr. DeLisi attended Fordham University and Columbia University in New York City on scholarship to complete his pre-dental requirements before attending Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He was awarded a prestigious four-year United States Navy Academic Scholarship, graduating with honors. At OHSU, he was recognized as the top undergraduate student in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and received the Public Health Dentistry Award.


 

Surgical Training & 9/11 Medical Response

Dr. DeLisi completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York City, where he also earned a fellowship in Anesthesia. His training included extensive experience in:

  • Maxillofacial trauma
  • Anesthesia
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Pathology
  • Dentoalveolar surgery

During the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Dr. DeLisi was present in New York City and provided emergency surgical and anesthesia care for victims of the tragedy, for which he was formally recognized with an award.

Upon completing his residency, he was honored with the Outstanding Resident Award as well as an award in anesthesia.


 

Military Service & Combat Medicine Experience

Dr. DeLisi proudly served as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the United States Navy, where he gained extensive experience in combat medicine.

  • His first assignment was as the OMFS Surgeon for the USS Carl Vinson Aircraft Carrier Strike Group, serving as the sole Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for the fleet.
  • He deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he provided head and neck trauma surgery, dentoalveolar care, and anesthesia for Navy and Marine personnel.
  • During his service, he completed his Surface Warfare qualifications and was awarded the Surface Warfare Medical Officer pin.

Following his combat deployment, Dr. DeLisi was promoted to Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) and became Department Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Naval Hospital Bremerton in Washington. He provided full-scope surgical care for Navy and Marine personnel, trained corpsmen, nurses, and residents, and lectured on a variety of OMFS topics.

As the Northwest Region OMF Surgeon, he provided care to over 35,000 active-duty service members, dependents, and veterans. During his tenure, he was recognized as one of the Navy’s top young surgeons, receiving multiple awards and letters of commendation before completing his service at the rank of LCDR.

Dr. DeLisi is BLS, ACLS, and PALS certified, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to patient safety and emergency medical care.


 

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Career in Oregon

Dr. DeLisi has been a trusted Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Central Oregon for over 18 years. As the most senior and experienced OMFS surgeon at St. Charles Medical Center, he has played a vital role in providing expert surgical care to patients throughout the region.

He specializes in:

  • Advanced dental implant surgery
  • Bone grafting and reconstructive procedures
  • Wisdom tooth extractions
  • Facial trauma and corrective surgery
  • Full-scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery under anesthesia

In addition to his practice, Dr. DeLisi remains dedicated to community service. He partners with Project HERO through Delta Dental and the VA to provide surgical care for veterans returning from combat.

Dr DeLisi welcomes and works with the Spanish Speaking population in Oregon. His knowledge of Spanish language, along with the aid of an interpreter, ensures that Oral Surgery Services can be provided in a safe, compassionate environment.

Commitment to Mentorship & Community Involvement

Dr. DeLisi is passionate about mentoring youth interested in the military and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He has coached multiple youth football and lacrosse teams in Central Oregon, using his leadership skills to guide the next generation.

His dedication to the field extends to his involvement with dental and medical professionals across Deschutes, Lincoln, Crook, and Jefferson Counties, ensuring high-quality surgical care reaches those in need.


 

Personal Life & Interests

Dr. DeLisi and his wife, Vandy, a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in hospice, medical floor, and oncology nursing, share a love for family, medicine, and the outdoors. Together, they are raising their children: Sisely, Ysabel, Mariella, Dominic, Andoni, Noah, and Jonah, along with their golden retrievers, Daisy and Buddy.

As a family, they enjoy:

  • Skiing and snowshoeing
  • Fishing and hiking
  • Traveling and spending time at the beach
  • Boating and music

Dr. DeLisi stays connected to his Philadelphia roots as a dedicated Eagles football fan and an avid UFC enthusiast. In his free time, he also enjoys raising chickens, ducks, pigs, and cows on his property.


 

A Legacy of Excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

With nearly two decades of service to the Central Oregon community, Dr. DeLisi continues to provide exceptional care, precision, and compassion to his patients. As an active OMF surgeon at St. Charles Hospital, he remains dedicated to advancing surgical techniques, mentoring future professionals, and improving the lives of those he treats.

Dr. DeLisi is Board-Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and a proud military veteran. His lifelong commitment to excellence in surgical care, leadership, and community service makes him one of Oregon’s most trusted Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.