Orthodontist salary

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on correcting misalignments of teeth and jaws. Their work involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing irregularities in teeth and jaw problems, often using braces, bite splints, and other orthodontic devices. In addition to improving the patient's appearance, orthodontic treatment also contributes to better oral health and function.

Education and Qualifications

To become an orthodontist, one must first complete a basic education as a dentist, which involves approximately five years of study at a university. After obtaining a dental degree, further specialized training in orthodontics is required, which takes an additional three years. This specialized training includes both theoretical instruction and practical experience under the supervision of experienced orthodontists. It is also common for orthodontists to continue participating in further education and courses to stay updated on the latest developments in the field.

Salary Statistics for Orthodontists

The average salary for an orthodontist is 54 400 kronor per month. There is a certain salary difference between genders; men earn an average of 57 300 kronor while women earn 53 400 kronor. This means that women earn approximately 93% of what men do in the profession. Compared to the previous year, the average salary for orthodontists has increased from 52 700 to 54 400 kronor, indicating a positive salary development in the field.

Job Market and Future Outlook

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's assessment, the job opportunities for dentists, including orthodontists, are very good nationally. Forecasts indicate that the demand for orthodontists will increase in the next five years. At the same time, there are some recruitment difficulties in the profession, which means that qualified orthodontists have good prospects of finding employment. This paradoxical situation of high demand and recruitment challenges makes orthodontics an attractive career choice for those interested in a stable and long-term career.

What to Consider

Working as an orthodontist requires not only technical skills and a strong theoretical foundation but also good communication skills and patience. It is important to be able to explain treatment plans in an understandable way to patients and their families and to build long-term relationships. Additionally, having a good sense of aesthetics and detail is an advantage since orthodontic treatment often involves improving the patient's appearance.

Benefits and Working Conditions

The benefits for orthodontists can vary depending on the employer and type of employment. In many cases, generous benefits are offered, such as paid further education, enabling continuous professional development. Other common benefits may include paid vacation, occupational pension, and sometimes even a work phone or other work tools. These benefits make the profession even more attractive and contribute to a good balance between work and personal life.