What does a prosthetic dental assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A prosthetic dental assistant works within dental care with a focus on prosthetic treatments and dental technical aids. Tasks include assisting dentists with impressions, preparing materials and instruments, and informing patients about prosthesis care. The profession requires precision and good communication skills as contact with patients is central. The work environment is usually clinic-based with good access to technical equipment and close collaboration with other dental care staff.
Salary development over time
The salary for prosthetic dental assistants has shown a stable and positive development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, which increased to 31 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 500 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 13 percent over the period. This trend can be explained by increased demand for specialized dental personnel and general salary adjustments within the healthcare sector. Educational requirements and the technical nature of the profession also contribute to relatively good salary growth compared to other dental professions. The market's need for competent prosthetic dental assistants suggests that salary levels are expected to remain stable or increase slightly in the future.
Prosthetic dental assistants often need both technical skill and empathy to effectively help patients adapt to their new prostheses.
Prosthetic dental assistant salary – comprehensive 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)
- Hourly wage: 201 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 111% of men's salaries
- Regional differences: Data is lacking but salary levels may vary between regions
Education and qualifications
The education for prosthetic dental assistants often occurs as a specialization within the dental assistant program or through postgraduate courses. To work in the profession, a basic dental assistant degree plus additional training in prosthetics and dental technology are required. Practical experience in clinics is usually a requirement to develop professional skills.
- Formal qualifications: Dental assistant education (1–2 years), often supplemented with shorter prosthetics courses
- Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in prosthetics and material science
- Internship/trainee: Clinical practice is usually part of the education
- Prerequisites: Basic upper secondary education, often with a focus on science subjects
- Tips for choosing: Select programs that offer clinical practice and up-to-date technical training
Common benefits and compensations
Prosthetic dental assistants are often offered benefits such as collective agreement pension and insurance conditions and opportunities for wellness contributions. Employment in the public sector may provide flexible working hours and holiday benefits. Overtime pay and allowances for unsocial hours may also apply if needed.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a prosthetic dental assistant is characterized by a relatively balanced recruitment situation with moderate competition. Challenges may arise from rapid technical changes and demands for continuous skills development. Additionally, high precision and patience are required when working with patients who may have special needs. The profession must adapt to new materials and methods while maintaining good patient contact and service as central elements.
Tips for those aspiring to become a prosthetic dental assistant
To succeed as a prosthetic dental assistant, it is good to develop both technical precision and communication skills. Attention to detail is important when handling sensitive materials and instruments, while patience is needed to give patients time and support during treatment. Being service-oriented facilitates collaboration with both patients and colleagues. It is also valuable to have an interest in continuous learning to keep up with developments in prosthetics. Finally, good stress resistance can help manage the often fast-paced environment in clinics.
Key facts about prosthetic dental assistants
- Education level: Post-secondary education within dental assistant programs and prosthetics
- Salary range: 27,300–38,100 SEK/month
- Work environment: Clinical setting with close patient contact
- Demand: Moderate and expected to remain unchanged
- Recruitment situation: Balance between supply and demand
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, prosthetic dental assistants can advance to specialist roles or take responsibility for training and supervising new staff. Opportunities also exist to work with sales of dental technical products or in administrative roles within dental care. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, job prospects for dental assistants are moderate with a stable recruitment situation. The demand for skilled prosthetic dental assistants is expected to remain unchanged over five years, providing security in career choice. Currently, there are approximately 375 job openings nationwide within the profession.
Frequently asked questions about prosthetic dental assistants
- What does a prosthetic dental assistant earn?
- The average salary is approximately 33 500 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and sector.
- What education is required to become a prosthetic dental assistant?
- A basic dental assistant education plus supplementary courses in prosthetics are required.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Exact data is lacking, but salaries may vary between different parts of the country.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is considered moderate and expected to remain unchanged according to the Employment Service.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, patience, and good communication skills are central to the profession.
- In which sectors can one work?
- Public, municipal, and private dental care are common workplaces.
- How does gender influence salary?
- Women earn on average 111% of men's salaries within the profession.
