What does a hospital dentist do? – Tasks and work environment
A hospital dentist is responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with advanced or particularly complex dental care needs within a hospital setting. Tasks often include investigation and treatment of patients with severe medical conditions, such as those admitted to hospital, with compromised immune systems, or requiring specialist dental care before major surgery. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dietitians, is common. The environment is characterized by a fast pace, interdisciplinary teamwork, and sometimes emergency care where quick decisions must be made for the patient's best interest.
Salary development over time
The salary for hospital dentists has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,700 SEK per month, increasing to 54 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 54 600 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 3.6% over the period. Salaries have been influenced by increased demand for specialist competence in hospital dentistry as well as general wage adjustments in the healthcare sector. The trend indicates continued high competition for qualified hospital dentists, contributing to positive salary development.
Hospital 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/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do (men: 58 100 SEK, women: 53 400 SEK)
Many hospital dentists work in teams with other specialists, providing great opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional development. It is common that the workday includes both planned treatments and emergency interventions, making the profession varied and stimulating.
Education and qualifications
To work as a hospital dentist, a dental degree, licensure, and often further education in areas such as hospital dentistry, oral medicine, or maxillofacial surgery are required. The educational path is long and includes both theoretical studies and extensive practical training. Many hospital dentists choose to deepen their expertise through specialist training or research.
- Dental degree: 5 years at university
- Licensure: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare
- Specialist training: 3–4 years in areas such as oral medicine or maxillofacial surgery
- Practical training: Mandatory for licensure
- Research: Possible for those wishing to advance further
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, benefits such as vacation pay, generous pension contributions, professional development, wellness allowances, and sometimes on-call or overtime pay are offered. Some employers also provide support for further education or research, as well as flexible working hours.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a hospital dentist is relatively low, but the job market is characterized by high requirements for qualifications and experience. There is a paradoxical recruitment situation where it is difficult to find the right competence, yet many choose to leave the profession or work part-time. Challenges include a high pace, complex patient cases, and the need for ongoing continuing education. The work can be psychologically demanding, especially in emergency situations or when treating severely ill patients.
Tips for those who want to become a hospital dentist
To succeed as a hospital dentist, it is good to be meticulous and resilient, as the profession often involves handling complex situations and making quick, important decisions. Engagement and a desire to continually develop are helpful, especially given the rapid medical advances and the need for ongoing training. Good teamwork skills are essential since work is performed in multidisciplinary teams where communication and listening are central. An empathetic approach is necessary to meet patients in vulnerable situations, and analytical skills help with investigation and diagnosis of complex cases. Finally, endurance and motivation are important, as the educational path is long and demanding but rewarding for those who want to make a difference in healthcare.
Key facts about Hospital Dentists
- Average salary: 54 600 SEK/month
- Salary range: 38,900–75,300 SEK/month
- Education level: Dental degree + licensure (at least 5 years)
- Work environment: Hospitals, often in teams and sometimes with emergency cases
- Future prospects: Great opportunities for employment, increasing demand
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a hospital dentist can advance to specialist positions within areas such as oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery, or oral medicine. There are also opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as clinic manager or training coordinator. The national forecast from the Public Employment Service indicates significant job opportunities and increasing demand for dentists in healthcare. Currently, there are 375 job openings in the field, and demand is expected to continue rising over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is marked by difficulties in finding sufficiently qualified candidates, leading employers to often compete for experienced hospital dentists.
Common questions about Hospital Dentists
- What does a Hospital Dentist earn?
- A hospital dentist has an average salary of 54 600 SEK per month, with a salary range between 38,900 and 75,300 SEK.
- How long is the education to become a Hospital Dentist?
- The basic education for a dentist lasts 5 years at university, followed by licensure and often specialist training for an additional 3–4 years.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 58 100 SEK and women 53 400 SEK, which means women earn approximately 92% of men's salaries.
- What are the future prospects for a Hospital Dentist?
- The job market is very good with great opportunities for employment and an expected increase in demand in the coming years.
- In what work environments does a Hospital Dentist operate?
- Hospital dentists mainly work within hospital environments, often in teams with other specialists and sometimes with emergency cases.
- What is the highest salary for a Hospital Dentist?
- The highest salary is 75,300 SEK per month, which applies to a male in the municipal sector with research training. For women, the highest salary is 71,500 SEK.
- What is required to become a specialist?
- To become a specialist, a completed dental degree, licensure, and an approved specialist training in the desired area are required.
