Orthodontic assistant salary

Orthodontic Assistant: Salary and Working Conditions

Working as an orthodontic assistant, which falls under the dental nurse profession, involves specializing in orthodontic care where one assists orthodontists in treating dental alignments. This profession requires precision and good social skills to handle patients, often children and adolescents, undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Salary for Orthodontic Assistants

The average salary for an orthodontic assistant is 29 700 SEK per month. There is a certain wage gap between men and women in this profession, with men earning an average of 27 800 SEK while women earn 29 800 SEK. This means that women earn 107% of what men do in this profession. Over the past year, the average salary has increased from 29 300 SEK to 29 700 SEK, showing a positive trend in salary growth.

Educational Requirements for Orthodontic Assistants

To work as an orthodontic assistant, one must first become a dental nurse. Dental nursing education is typically a vocational college program that takes approximately 1.5 years to complete. Afterward, one can choose to specialize in orthodontics through further education and practical training. Many employers offer paid training and courses to facilitate this specialization.

Job Responsibilities and Work Environment

An orthodontic assistant has a variety of tasks, including assisting in orthodontic treatments, taking X-rays, preparing and sterilizing instruments, and providing instructions to patients on how to care for their braces. The work environment is usually in dental clinics, where one works closely with orthodontists and other dental staff.

Requirements and Skills

To thrive and succeed as an orthodontic assistant, it is important to be meticulous, empathetic, and have good manual dexterity with both children and adults. One should also have good communication skills and be able to work effectively in a team. Technical proficiency is also a plus, as the job often involves handling advanced dental equipment.

Opportunities and Outlook

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the opportunities for employment as a dental nurse, including orthodontic assistants, are moderate nationally. Over a five-year period, demand is expected to remain stable, and the recruitment situation is assessed to be balanced. This means that there are good job opportunities in this profession, especially for those who choose to specialize in orthodontics.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Benefits for orthodontic assistants may vary depending on the employer, but it is not uncommon to have access to paid further education and courses. Some employers may also offer benefits such as a company-paid mobile phone or other work-related tools. Working conditions are usually favorable, with regular hours and opportunities for part-time work for those who prefer.

In conclusion, being an orthodontic assistant is a rewarding and stable career for those interested in dental care and working with orthodontic treatments. With a positive salary trend and stable job opportunities, this could be an excellent career choice for many.