Advance Your Career as a Dental Laboratory Technician at the Washington DC VA
Are you a master of dental craftsmanship looking to apply your skills in an environment that truly matters? The Washington DC VA Medical Center is looking for an experienced Dental Laboratory Technician to join our dedicated team. This is a unique opportunity to support those who have served our nation while working in a high-impact clinical environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the production of complex dental prostheses. You will spend 40% of your time on fabrication, 30% on lab maintenance, and 20% on instruction.
- Fabrication: Craft crowns, bridges, and removable dentures to exacting standards.
- Collaboration: Partner with Prosthodontists and Oral Surgeons to solve complex functional challenges.
- Laboratory Management: Oversee equipment safety, supply inventory, and infection control.
- Instruction: Mentor dental residents on laboratory machine safety and modern fabrication techniques.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Dental Laboratory Technician |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Salary Range | $63,307 - $90,898 |
| Clearance | Not Required |
Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and satisfy all background investigation requirements. You must show one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. This includes experience with dental lab materials, precision instruments, and prosthetic appliance construction.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with federal benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave. You will also have the opportunity to earn service credit toward annual leave accrual.
Application Tips
Remember, your resume cannot exceed two pages. Prioritize your most recent and relevant experience, use clear and concise results-focused language, and always save your documents as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
If you are ready to combine your passion for dental technology with a career dedicated to service, the Washington DC VA Medical Center welcomes your application. Apply today to start your journey.
Why This Dental Laboratory Technician Job Matters
Transform lives by crafting precision-engineered prosthetics for our nation's heroes. Join the VA as a Dental Laboratory Technician and advance your career in a mission-driven, state-of-the-art facility.
Dental Laboratory Technician Job Overview
The Washington DC VA Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled Dental Laboratory Technician to support our mission of providing world-class dental care to Veterans. In this role, you will perform a wide range of complex dental prosthetic fabrication, collaborate with specialized dental staff, and serve as a vital resource for instruction and laboratory management. This position offers a dynamic work environment where technical expertise and precision directly impact the quality of life for those who have served our country.
Requirements for Dental Laboratory Technician
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Completion of a probationary period may be required.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must adhere to strict laboratory safety and infection control protocols.
- Current federal employees must meet specific time-in-grade requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Laboratory Technician
- At least 2 years of professional experience utilizing CAD-CAM technology.
- Advanced technical expertise in fabricating complex fixed or removable dental prostheses.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct and mentor dental residents or staff.
- Experience managing laboratory inventory and equipment procurement.
- Ability to resolve complex prosthetic design and functional challenges independently.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive salary with step-increase potential.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system (FERS).
- ✓Supportive and mission-oriented working environment.
💡 How to Apply Dental Laboratory Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Laboratory Technician Job
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume focusing on results and technical competencies.
- Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Apply through the official USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
- Submit all required attachments, preferably in PDF format.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to ensure eligibility.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder for formatting assistance.
- Be specific and clear about your work history; the agency will not make assumptions about your experience.
- Use a clear, professional font such as Lato or Arial, set to a 0.5-inch margin.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Dental Laboratory Technician at the VA?
You will independently fabricate complex dental prostheses, collaborate with dental specialists, manage lab inventory, and provide technical instruction to residents.
Is CAD-CAM experience required?
While not a baseline requirement, the agency identifies at least 2 years of experience with CAD-CAM technology as a preferred qualification.
Are there strict formatting requirements for my resume?
Yes, federal agencies now enforce a two-page limit. Resumes exceeding this will render the applicant ineligible.
Can I apply if I'm not a veteran?
Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths. Review the 'Who May Apply' section on the official posting for full eligibility.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role requires physical presence in the laboratory to perform daily duties.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing exceptional care to our nation's Veterans. The Washington DC VA Medical Center offers a diverse range of dental services, including prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. Our team is dedicated to a 'Whole Health' approach, ensuring that every employee contributes to the well-being and health of our patient population.