Career Opportunity: Dental Laboratory Technician at the VA
Are you a skilled Dental Laboratory Technician looking to make a meaningful difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Jackson, Mississippi, is currently accepting applications for a Dental Laboratory Technician. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine your technical artistry with compassionate care, directly supporting the oral health of those who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will spend approximately 60% of your time designing and fabricating dental appliances, including complex maxillofacial cases. Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with dental providers to create fixed, semi-fixed, and removable prostheses.
- Fabricating guided implant surgical stents.
- Resolving difficult issues regarding retention and balance in prosthodontics.
- Designing unique prostheses for trauma and cancer patients.
- Educating dental residents, assistants, and students on laboratory techniques.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet federal qualification standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal employees.
- Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Education: A substitute of one and one-half years of graduate education is acceptable.
- Compliance: You must be willing to undergo a background investigation and follow all vaccination requirements.
Salary Overview
| Grade Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-08 | $55,882 - $72,644 |
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Accrued annual and sick leave.
- Federal retirement planning options.
- Predictable, professional scheduling.
- The emotional reward of serving Veterans.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system will not accept longer files.
- Be Specific: Ensure every job entry includes the start/end dates (month and year) and the specific hours worked per week.
- Formatting: Save your documents as a PDF to ensure they appear correctly for the hiring panel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary focus of this laboratory? A: The laboratory focuses on complex restorative dentistry for an aging Veteran population, often involving sophisticated, high-tolerance prosthetics.
Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: No, recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
If you are a dedicated professional who values precision and wants to support the Veteran community, apply today to become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Jackson. Your expertise will provide comfort and restored function to those who have sacrificed for our country.
Why This Dental Laboratory Technician Job Matters
Elevate your dental laboratory career by crafting life-changing prosthetics for our nation's Veterans in Jackson, Mississippi.
Dental Laboratory Technician Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Dental Laboratory Technician to join the team at the VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality care to Veterans, with a significant focus on complex intra-oral, fixed, and removable maxillofacial appliances. You will work in a supportive clinical environment, collaborating with providers to design, fabricate, and perfect dental prosthetics that restore function and improve the quality of life for those who have served our country.
Requirements for Dental Laboratory Technician
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
- Ability to use dental laboratory materials like wax, porcelain, acrylics, and impression plasters.
- Expertise in operating laboratory equipment including lathes, furnaces, and casting machines.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in length.
- Must complete an online assessment.
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Laboratory Technician
- Experience with complex intra-oral maxillofacial cases.
- Background in fabricating implant surgical stents and unique trauma prostheses.
- Proficiency in educating dental residents and staff on laboratory techniques.
- Graduate-level education in a field directly related to dental technology.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off
- ✓Predictable and Flexible Work Schedules
- ✓Professional Development Opportunities
- ✓Career Advancement within the Federal Health System
💡 How to Apply Dental Laboratory Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Laboratory Technician Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume no longer than two pages.
- Submit your application and all required documents (transcripts, DD-214, etc.) online.
- Complete the required online assessment when prompted.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week for each position.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance with the two-page limit.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
- Check your junk email folder for potential assessment notifications.
- Clearly link your experience to the specific duties mentioned in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position located at the VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes exceeding two pages will result in ineligibility for this position.
Do I need to submit transcripts?
Yes, if you are using education to qualify for the position, official or unofficial transcripts must be attached to your application.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We provide comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, honoring their service through high-quality, whole-health medical services. Working at the VA is more than just a job; it is a mission-driven career that offers excellent work-life balance and a supportive professional community.