Become a Dental Laboratory Technician at the Phoenix VA
Are you a skilled dental professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center is hiring a dedicated Dental Laboratory Technician to join our team in Phoenix, Arizona. This role is a unique opportunity to use your specialized skills to support the oral health and wellness of our nation’s Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Laboratory Technician, you will be the backbone of our prosthodontic services. Your daily work will involve:
- Removable Prosthodontics: Fabricating complex dentures, occlusal rims, and maxillofacial appliances.
- Fixed Prosthodontics: Creating crowns, bridges, and metal-ceramo restorations with extreme precision.
- Administrative & Educational Support: Training staff, maintaining inventory, and performing material testing under the guidance of a board-certified prosthodontist.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Feature | Standard Technician | VA Dental Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General Lab Duties | Comprehensive Prosthodontic Focus |
| Technology | Analog Tools | Integrated CAD/CAM Digital Workflows |
| Collaboration | Isolated Work | Direct Interaction with Prosthodontists |
| Patient Impact | Indirect | Direct Contribution to Veteran Wellness |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience requirements equivalent to a GS-07 grade level. This includes at least one year of experience in dental laboratory materials and fabrication techniques. You must also pass a federal background investigation and maintain adherence to the VA’s influenza vaccination policy.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $58,455 to $75,989 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. As a federal employee, you will also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including robust health insurance, pension plans, and significant leave accruals.
Application Tips
Submitting an application for a federal role requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer, as longer documents are automatically excluded. Always use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets the requirements, and be sure to upload all relevant documents, including transcripts and SF-50s, as PDFs.
If you have the technical expertise and a passion for supporting Veterans, this role offers a fulfilling career path. Apply today through the USAJOBS portal and start a new chapter with the Phoenix VA.
Why This Dental Laboratory Technician Job Matters
Transform lives one smile at a time as a Dental Laboratory Technician with the VA in Phoenix, where your technical mastery directly supports the health and well-being of our nation's heroes.
Dental Laboratory Technician Job Overview
The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center is seeking a skilled Dental Laboratory Technician to join our dedicated Dental Service team. In this role, you will perform complex fabrication tasks for removable and fixed prosthodontics, working closely with board-certified prosthodontists to provide high-quality care for Veterans. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who excels in an environment that prioritizes patient comfort, precision craftsmanship, and the integration of modern digital dental workflows.
Requirements for Dental Laboratory Technician
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must undergo a background and security investigation
- Must complete a mandatory 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory
- Must meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement if currently a Federal employee
- Ability to perform tasks requiring significant standing, sitting, and bending
- Ability to move heavy equipment and materials safely
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Laboratory Technician
- Experience with digital platforms such as CAD/CAM systems (3Shape or ExoCad)
- Strong technical background in fixed and removable prosthodontics
- Experience in porcelain application and metal-ceramo restoration fabrication
- Proven ability to work independently on complex dental appliances
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and pay progression
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits and savings plans
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave accrual
- ✓Access to a mission-driven Whole Health system of care
💡 How to Apply Dental Laboratory Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Laboratory Technician Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review your resume to ensure it is 2 pages or less and follows formatting guidelines.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Attach all required documents (e.g., transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and notification of referral.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to comply with current federal hiring standards.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder for formatting that meets agency requirements.
- Be specific in your resume—the VA will not make assumptions about your experience.
- Upload all documents as PDFs to ensure proper formatting and readability.
- Ensure your SF-50s clearly demonstrate one full year of time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dental role?
You will be responsible for the fabrication of complex fixed and removable prostheses, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthotics, based on prescriptions provided by dentists.
Is this a virtual or remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Are there specific requirements for the resume length?
Yes, federal agencies now require that resumes be no longer than two pages to meet Merit Hiring Plan standards.
What equipment will I be using?
You will use a variety of specialized tools, including dental lathes, casting machines, furnaces, and modern digital CAD/CAM platforms.
Is there potential for promotion?
This position is at the full performance level of GS-08, with no automatic promotion potential beyond this grade.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to those who have served in our military. The Phoenix VA Healthcare System operates under the VHA's 'Whole Health' approach, ensuring that every Veteran receives personalized care that honors their service and improves their quality of life.