What does a senior dentist do? – Tasks and work environment
A senior dentist has overall responsibility within dental care and often works with advanced diagnostics, treatment, and supervision of colleagues. The role typically involves leading and developing specialist dental services, participating in research projects, and contributing to the education of dentists and dental hygienists. The work environment is clinical and academic, performed both at clinics and educational institutions. Senior dentists often encounter complex patient cases and collaborate across professions to ensure the highest quality of dental care.
Salary development over time
The profession of senior dentist has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,700 SEK, which increased to 54 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 54 600 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 3.6% over three years. The salary increase has been slightly higher than inflation and reflects continued high demand for qualified specialist skills in dentistry. Factors such as increased competition for experienced dentists, research merits, and leadership responsibilities have contributed to salary development. The market also indicates that experience and further education are becoming increasingly important for salary levels.
Senior dentist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 54 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (men), 39,900 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 75,300 SEK/month (men), 71,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 328 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do (53 400 SEK vs 58 100 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as a senior dentist, a long and specialized educational path is required. After obtaining a dental degree, additional specialist training and often research education or equivalent merits are necessary. The work demands high scientific competence, clinical experience, and leadership skills. Besides formal requirements, the ability to supervise and develop others in the profession is highly valued.
- Dental degree: 5 years university education
- Specialist training: 3 years within the chosen dental specialty
- Research degree or equivalent merits: Usually required for senior dentists
- Supervision experience: Meritorious and often necessary
- Licensed authorization: Required by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen)
Many senior dentists combine clinical work with research and teaching, providing a unique opportunity to influence the development of Swedish dental care and contribute to future generations of dentists.
Common benefits and compensations
Senior dentists are often offered comprehensive benefits such as extra vacation days, professional development, wellness allowances, and pension contributions. Additional compensations may include research funding, supervision bonuses, and flexible working hours, especially within academic environments and larger public employers.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a senior dentist is relatively high, as the number of specialist-trained dentists with research merits is limited. At the same time, there is a shortage of experienced candidates, which explains the high demand and good job prospects in the profession. Challenges include staying updated with research, meeting increased requirements for supervision and teaching, and managing complex patient cases. The workload can be high, and balancing clinical work with administrative tasks requires good organizational skills.
Tips for aspiring senior dentists
To succeed as a senior dentist, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in both clinical work and scientific development. Self-discipline is crucial for completing the long educational journey and ongoing learning. Leadership skills are needed since the role often involves responsibility for supervising and developing colleagues. Good communication facilitates collaboration within interdisciplinary teams and with patients. Engagement in research and teaching is an advantage, as is being meticulous and analytical to solve complex cases and contribute to the advancement of dental care.
Key facts about senior dentists
- Average salary: 54 600 SEK/month
- Salary range: 38,900–75,300 SEK/month
- Education level: Specialist dental degree + often research education
- Work environment: Clinical and academic, often within the public sector
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment and increasing need
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years as a senior dentist, career development can lead to leadership roles within specialist dental care, such as department head or training manager. There are also opportunities for continued research, international assignments, or work within authorities and industry organizations. Employment forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate very good job prospects, with demand expected to increase over the next five years. This development is driven by retirements and a growing need for specialist skills in dental care. Currently, there are 375 job openings within the profession, indicating a strong labor market.
Frequently asked questions about senior dentists
- What does a senior dentist earn?
- A senior dentist has an average monthly salary of 54 600 SEK, with a range between 38,900 and 75,300 SEK depending on experience, education, and employer.
- How does one become a senior dentist?
- Requires a dental degree, specialist training in dentistry, and often research education or equivalent merits.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn an average of 53 400 SEK while men earn 58 100 SEK, meaning women earn 92% of men's salaries in the profession.
- What is the job market like for senior dentists?
- The job market is very good with high demand, and currently there are 375 job openings within the field.
- What are the typical responsibilities of a senior dentist?
- Advanced treatment, supervision of colleagues, research, teaching, and development of dental care.
- What benefits are offered to senior dentists?
- Extra vacation days, professional development, research funding, and flexible work hours.
- Where do senior dentists usually work?
- Mainly within the public sector, at specialist clinics, or at universities and colleges.
