Dental Laboratory Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Muskogee, OK

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Dental Service at the Ernest Childers Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. The Dental Laboratory Technician collaborates with prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, general dentists, and dental residents to design and fabricate complex dental and intra-oral maxillofacial appliances. The work requires thorough knowledge of oral anatomy, tooth morphology, dentition, laboratory materials, tools, and equipment, along with a high degree of technical skill.

The technician manages the design and fabrication of complex removable and fixed oral-maxillofacial appliances, including tooth- and implant-supported crowns and bridges, partial and complete dentures, maxillary obturators, mouth guards, occlusal guards, fluoride trays, and other prescribed appliances. The role supports treatment and care of disabled veterans and includes consultation with dental staff on prosthetic-device prescriptions and appliance designs.

The technician evaluates impressions and completed restorations for conformity with prescription specifications, fit, and aesthetic value, and is responsible for laboratory operations involving removable and fixed prosthodontics, implants, planning, and scheduling. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized, and the Critical Skills Incentive is not approved.

Requirements

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 grade level in the Federal Service, involving knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the Dental Laboratory Technician duties; qualifying experience may include using dental laboratory materials, laboratory equipment and precision instruments, and constructing dental prosthetic appliances.
• Alternatively, at least two full years of directly related graduate education or a directly related master's degree demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.
• Alternatively, an equivalent combination of graduate education beyond the first year and specialized experience.
• Submit a resume documenting job title, duties, start and end month/year, and hours worked per week when relying on experience.
• Submit transcripts when relying on education; education must be documented and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Licensed professional dentists may qualify for any grade level if they have the required aggregate experience in dental laboratory procedures.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must complete the application, questionnaire, required online assessment, and online onboarding process.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel employee.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.

Responsibilities

• Manage and operate the design and fabrication of complex dental intra-oral appliances.
• Work with professional dental staff in the treatment and care of disabled veterans, including removable and semi-fixed partial dentures, complete dentures, crowns, fixed bridges, intra-oral implants, and sub-mandibular Bosker implants.
• Consult with staff dentists, oral surgeons, and first- and second-year general practice residents on prosthetic-device prescriptions and the design of complex dental appliances.
• Evaluate impressions and finished products for compliance with prescription specifications, fit, and aesthetic value.
• Operate and oversee laboratory work involving removable and fixed prosthodontics and implants, including planning and scheduling.
• Plan workflow, establish work methods and procedures, and evaluate products.
• Apply technical knowledge in removable and fixed prosthodontics and implants.
• Operate equipment needed to construct dental restorations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families, subject to eligibility.
• Possible credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level