Facial prosthetist

What does a facial prosthetist do? – Tasks and work environment

A facial prosthetist designs and manufactures custom prostheses for individuals who have lost parts of their face due to illness, injury, or congenital deformities. The profession combines advanced medical technology with artistic skill, as each prosthesis must be tailored both functionally and aesthetically to the patient's needs. The work is often performed in close collaboration with plastic surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare specialists. The work environment is typically clinical, but there are also opportunities to work in laboratory settings where prostheses are crafted and adjusted with great precision and attention to detail.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for facial prosthetists have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK, which increased to 38 000 SEK in 2023 and reached 39 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.5% during the period. The driving factors behind this positive trend include increased demand for specialist skills and the growing value employers place on the combination of medical and technical expertise required in the profession. The salary increase also reflects the overall development within the broader group of "Dental technicians and orthopaedic engineers, etc.", which includes facial prosthetists. Despite the positive trend, differences between genders, regions, and employment types still exist.

Facial prosthetist salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
• Highest salary: 50,200 SEK/month (male, private employee, research education)
• Hourly wage: 236 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 37 200 SEK (91% of men's salary, men: 40 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and employer.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a facial prosthetist is specialized and requires both formal education and practical experience. The profession often builds on a foundational education in dental technology, orthopaedic technology, or related medical-technical fields, followed by further training and supervised practice in facial prosthetics. Due to the niche nature and high specialization of the profession, competition for training spots is often fierce, and employers seek documented experience and strong references.

• Formal degree: Post-secondary education in dental technology or orthopaedic technology (2–3 years) with additional training in facial prosthetics
• Certifications: Specialized courses/certificates in facial prosthetics are recommended
• Practical training: Supervised clinical or laboratory internships are often crucial
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of anatomy, materials science, and medical technology
• Tips for choosing: A combination of technical and artistic skills is highly valuable

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for facial prosthetists include wellness allowances, skills development, flexible working hours, and sometimes extra vacation days. Access to modern equipment and opportunities for further training are also common, especially within public clinics and larger private employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a facial prosthetist is relatively low due to the high level of specialization and limited training opportunities. At the same time, challenges are significant, as each patient case is unique and requires great precision, teamwork, and a sense of both technique and aesthetics. Since the profession is part of a broader occupational group, it is not always possible to provide an exact forecast of the job market, and the availability of job openings varies between regions. The work environment can also be emotionally demanding, as the work often involves close contact with patients in difficult life situations.

Tips for aspiring facial prosthetists

To succeed as a facial prosthetist, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with creativity and a high degree of empathy. Precision is crucial, as each prosthesis must be precisely tailored to the patient's needs, which also requires patience and attention to detail. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with patients and colleagues across medical disciplines, while problem-solving abilities help handle unexpected challenges. Continuously developing your skills through further education provides better opportunities to meet new techniques and materials. A good understanding of the patient's situation and wishes builds trust and contributes to a successful outcome. Finally, a sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently are important qualities for establishing oneself in the profession.

Key facts about facial prosthetists

• Education level: Post-secondary degree + specialization
• Work environment: Healthcare clinic and laboratory
• Typical work form: Full-time, often daytime hours
• Demand: 564 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: Combination of technical and artistic competence

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, a facial prosthetist can develop into a specialist in advanced prosthetics, take responsibility for supervising new colleagues, or work in research and development of new materials and techniques. Other career options include roles in teaching, clinic management, or medical-technical consulting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no separate assessment for facial prosthetists, but within the broader group of "Dental technicians and orthopaedic engineers, etc.," there is a stable demand with a total of 564 job openings. Future prospects are influenced by technological development, regional needs, and training capacity.

Frequently asked questions about facial prosthetists

• What does a facial prosthetist earn?
  - The average salary for a facial prosthetist is 39 200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a facial prosthetist?
  - Post-secondary education in dental or orthopaedic technology with additional training in facial prosthetics is required.
• Are there gender differences in salary for facial prosthetists?
  - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
• What work environments are most common for facial prosthetists?
  - Work is mainly carried out in hospital clinics and specialized laboratories.
• What are the future prospects for facial prosthetists?
  - The job market is stable within the profession, but no specific forecast exists for facial prosthetists.
• What personal qualities are important for a facial prosthetist?
  - Attention to detail, creativity, empathy, and teamwork skills are highly valued.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, many employers offer skills development and specialized courses.