Surgical dental nurse salary

Operating Room Dental Assistant: Salary, Education, and Duties

Working as an operating room dental assistant means being a specialized dental assistant who assists the dentist during surgical procedures in the oral cavity. This work requires both precision and skill, as it often involves complex procedures such as dental implants, oral surgery, and root canals.

Duties

As an operating room dental assistant, you have a variety of tasks. You prepare both the patient and equipment for surgeries, sterilize instruments, assist the dentist during the operation, and provide post-operative care and advice to the patient. The role therefore requires both technical knowledge and a caring approach.

Salary

The average salary for an operating room dental assistant is 29 700 SEK per month. Women in the profession earn an average of 29 800 SEK, while men earn 27 800 SEK. This means that women earn 107% of what men do in this occupational group. It is also worth noting that the average salary has increased from 29 300 SEK to 29 700 SEK since the last measurement.

Education and Qualifications

To become an operating room dental assistant, a dental assistant education is usually required, which can be supplemented with further training in surgery and sterilization. The education includes both theoretical and practical elements and culminates in a vocational college degree. It is also advantageous to have experience in dentistry or healthcare before specializing.

Job Opportunities and Job Market

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's assessment, job opportunities for dental assistants, including operating room dental assistants, are moderate nationally. Over a five-year period, demand for dental assistants is expected to remain unchanged, and the recruitment situation is deemed balanced.

Benefits

In some cases, employers may offer benefits such as paid further education, which can be very valuable for those looking to advance in their careers. Other potential benefits may include a company-paid mobile phone or other work tools, depending on the workplace's policy.

Considerations

If you are considering a career as an operating room dental assistant, it is important to be aware of the requirements for precision and technical skill. It is also advantageous to be able to handle stress and have good teamwork skills, as the work often involves close collaboration with both dentists and other healthcare personnel.

In conclusion, the profession of operating room dental assistant offers an exciting and challenging work environment with good development opportunities and a stable job market. The latest salary statistics also show a positive salary trend, making the profession even more attractive for the future.