Image that illustrates Orthodontic assistant

Orthodontic assistant

33 500 kr

Dental assistants

27 300 - 38 100 kr / month

Women earn 111% of what men do.

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Salary progression Orthodontic assistant

Average salary 33 500 kr
Males 30 200 kr
Females 33 500 kr

What does an Orthodontic Assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

An Orthodontic Assistant works within dental care and specializes in assisting dentists and orthodontists with the treatment of orthodontic patients. Common tasks include preparing patients, assisting with the application and adjustment of braces, taking impressions and X-rays, and providing instructions on oral hygiene to patients with braces. The work environment is clinic-based, often in close collaboration with orthodontists, dental nurses, and other dental staff. The pace can be high, especially at larger clinics, and the job requires good communication skills and precision.

Salary development over time

The salary for Orthodontic Assistants has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, increasing to 31 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 33 500 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 13% over three years. Salary growth has been influenced by increased demand for specialized dental care, as well as a general focus on skills development within the dental sector. The rise in Orthodontic Assistant salaries can also be linked to a greater awareness of the importance of qualified staff for high-quality care in orthodontics. The trend indicates that the profession continues to be attractive for both new and experienced employees.

Orthodontic Assistant salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
  • Highest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (male, public sector)
  • Highest salary for women: 37,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary for women: 28,900 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 201 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 33 500 SEK, men 30 200 SEK (women earn 111% of men's salary)

Education and qualifications

To work as an Orthodontic Assistant, a qualification as a dental nurse is required, followed by specialized further training in orthodontics. The basic education includes both theoretical and practical components, while orthodontic training focuses on specific tasks related to orthodontic treatment. Internships at clinics and supervision by experienced orthodontists are often part of the training.

  • Dental nurse training: Vocational university, about 1.5 years
  • Further training in orthodontics: Around 1 year, often online or part-time
  • Internship: Mandatory clinical internship in orthodontics
  • Certification: Often requires certificates or proof of completed further education
  • Prerequisites: Approved dental nurse qualification

Many Orthodontic Assistants quickly take on broad responsibilities at the clinic, as tasks often require independence and the ability to handle multiple patients simultaneously. Especially at smaller clinics, the role can be very varied and developmental.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Orthodontic Assistants are often offered collective occupational pension, wellness allowances, and subsidized dental care. Many employers in both public and private sectors also provide opportunities for skills development, paid further education, and extra vacation days. Benefits may vary depending on the employer and region.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an Orthodontic Assistant is relatively balanced, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of workforce nationally. The number of available jobs in the profession is around 375, reflecting a stable labor market. Challenges in the profession can include high patient pressure, requirements for continuous skills development, and adaptation to new treatment methods. There are also high demands for accuracy and the ability to work independently, especially during advanced orthodontic treatments. The work environment can be stressful during periods of high patient load, making good organizational skills important.

Tips for aspiring Orthodontic Assistants

To succeed as an Orthodontic Assistant, it is good to combine precision with a genuine interest in dental care and patient contact. Being social and communicative makes it easier to build trust with both patients and colleagues, which is crucial during treatments that often involve long-term patient relationships. A structured work approach helps manage the many different tasks at the clinic, and the ability to work independently facilitates handling a high pace. It is also wise to continuously update your knowledge through further education and be open to new methods within orthodontics. Flexibility and patience are key qualities, as treatment plans can change quickly. Finally, being proactive pays off, as many clinics appreciate staff who take responsibility and drive development in their area.

Key facts about Orthodontic Assistants

  • Education level: Dental nurse qualification + orthodontic training (total approx. 2.5 years)
  • Work environment: Clinic-based, often within both public and private sectors
  • Typical work form: Full-time, daytime
  • Demand: Moderate, around 375 available jobs nationwide
  • Special skills: Handling orthodontic equipment and patient counseling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, Orthodontic Assistants have good opportunities to take on more advanced tasks, such as supervising new colleagues or specializing in specific treatment methods. Some choose to further qualify as orthodontic dental nurses or take administrative roles within dental clinics. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that the labor market for dental nurses, including Orthodontic Assistants, is balanced with medium opportunities for work and unchanged demand over the next five years. This means the profession is stable and offers room for development and career advancement within the dental sector.

Frequently asked questions about Orthodontic Assistants

  • What does an Orthodontic Assistant earn?
    - The average salary is 33 500 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 201 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an Orthodontic Assistant?
    - Basic training as a dental nurse plus further education in orthodontics is required.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 111% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for Orthodontic Assistants?
    - Job opportunities are considered moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What are common job duties for an Orthodontic Assistant?
    - Assisting with orthodontic treatments, taking impressions, providing instructions, and supporting patients.
  • Where do Orthodontic Assistants usually work?
    - Most often employed at specialist orthodontic clinics, both in the private and public sectors.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Orthodontic assistant is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 37800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Orthodontic assistant is 27300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25600 kr 29700 kr
25-34 28200 kr 28600 kr
35-44 30400 kr 30600 kr
45-54 33500 kr 33600 kr
55-64 35100 kr 35200 kr
65-68 41800 kr 41900 kr
Snitt 111% 33200 kr 33500 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Orthodontic assistant has the SSYK code 5350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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