To qualify for this position at the GS-9 level, you must meet one of the following:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8) in the Federal Service, that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Dental Laboratory Technician, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Experience should include use of dental laboratory material such as impression materials, plasters, stones, hydrocolloids, waxes, metals, acrylics, porcelain, and similar materials; use of laboratory equipment such as hand tools, dental lathes, engines, and hand pieces, furnaces, casting machines, presses, flasks, and related equipment; use of precision instruments such as articulators, surveyors, and microanalyzers; and construction of dental prosthetic appliances. At this grade level, qualifying specialized experience also includes: experience constructing porcelain or acrylic fixed or semi-fixed bridge restorations, full or removable partial dentures, or orthodontic appliances, or dental splints and obturators, when the construction of the appliance is complicated because of the unusual nature or intricacy of the design required to overcome acute abnormalities; applying a thorough technical knowledge of both normal and abnormal oral anatomy and dentition as these affect the design, fabrication, function, and esthetics of the dental prosthesis being constructed. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.
~OR~
EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (2) full years of graduate education or a master's degree that is directly related to the work of the Dental Laboratory Technician position. Such graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Licensed professional dentists will be considered qualified for any grade level if they have, in the aggregate, the required experience in dental laboratory procedures. (Transcripts, unofficial or official, must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.)
~OR~
COMBINATION: Equivalent combination of successfully complete graduate education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above.
NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:
In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English to meet the requirements of this position.
*A Quality Ranking Factor has been requested by the facility to help determine which of the basically qualified applicants are likely to be better qualified for a position.
The quality ranking factor for this position is: Proficiency in crown, bridge, implant (fixed) fabrication, and experience in scanning, 3D printing, and CEREC crown fabrication.
*Quality Ranking Factors are skills, knowledge, abilities, or other worker characteristics which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor.
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Analytical Thinking
- Applies Technology to Tasks
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Ranking Factor
- Technical Competence
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
The work involves sitting for extended periods, stooping, bending, and constant use of detail vision under bright illumination. Lifting of heavy supplies occurs with some regularity. Above-average dexterity and above-average grip strength are necessary. Work of short duration in the proximity of high dry heat, hot steam, and/or unpleasant odors is necessary. The technician works with high-speed rotary equipment; high-temperature baths, torches and ovens; potentially caustic and toxic chemicals; particulate matter than can pose pulmonary and ophthalmological threats; and sustained loud high-frequency noise. The lab technician will routinely be required to wear face masks and eye protection. Frequent need is encountered for work conducted under a fume hood, the use of a dust mask, and ear protection.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.