What does a Specialist Dentist do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A specialist dentist works with advanced dental care and diagnostics within a chosen area, such as oral surgery, orthodontics, or periodontology. The profession involves assessing, treating, and following up on complex patient cases that require in-depth expertise beyond the general dentist role. The specialist often collaborates in teams with other dentists, dental assistants, and sometimes doctors, especially within hospital dentistry or specialist clinics. The work environment is characterized by high demands for precision, accuracy, and teamwork, where both technology and patient contact are central parts of the daily work.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for a specialist dentist has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,700 SEK, which increased to 54 400 SEK in 2023 and has further risen to 54 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 3.6% over the three-year period. The salary increase is primarily driven by the high demand for specialist skills in dentistry, with both public and private sectors competing for experienced specialists. Recruitment difficulties and increased specialization within dentistry have contributed to this slow but steady salary growth. Despite the positive trend, the pace of salary increases has been somewhat lower than in some other healthcare-related academic professions, which can be explained by the profession already being at a high salary level.
Specialist Dentist Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 54 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (male) / 39,900 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 75,300 SEK/month (male) / 71,500 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly rate: 328 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do (53 400 SEK vs 58 100 SEK)
- Regional differences: Variations may occur depending on region and employer
Education and Qualifications
The path to becoming a specialist dentist is long and demanding, requiring both education and clinical experience. First, a dental degree (5 years) is necessary, followed by several years of work experience and then specialization within a chosen dental field. Specialization is achieved through formal education, often at universities or colleges, culminating in licensure as a specialist dentist. Continuing education and certifications are highly valued, and many specialists also participate in courses and conferences to stay updated within their field.
- Dental degree: 5 years of university studies
- Specialization training: 3 years within the chosen area
- Licensure: Required Swedish license as a dentist
- Clinical experience: At least 2 years of work after the basic degree before specialization
- Continuing education: Ongoing courses and certifications are common
Many specialist dentists participate in research or teach at universities, opening doors to academic careers and the opportunity to influence future dental care. The combination of clinical work and research also provides a unique variation in daily work.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Specialist dentists often have access to generous benefits such as extra vacation days, professional development, wellness allowances, and pension plans. Opportunities for research or teaching assignments, as well as access to modern equipment and advanced technology, are other common features. In some cases, options such as flexible hours or remote work are available, especially within larger organizations and county councils.
Competition and Challenges
Competition for positions as a specialist dentist is generally low, but recruitment difficulties occur, especially in certain specialties and regions. Despite good future prospects, the profession faces challenges such as high demands for continuous education, advanced problem-solving, and working with complex patient cases. The role also requires the ability to manage stress and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, administrative tasks and responsibilities for supervising younger colleagues can add extra workload.
Tips for Aspiring Specialist Dentists
To succeed as a specialist dentist, it is beneficial to have a strong interest in medicine and a desire for continuous development. Precision is crucial, as the work requires accuracy and attention to detail in diagnostics and treatment. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and patients, while analytical ability helps solve complex cases. Patience and perseverance are important qualities, especially during the long educational journey and when treating long-term patient cases. It is also advisable to seek internships early in different specialties to find the right focus and build a network in the industry. Investing in continuing education and staying updated on new treatment methods also increases the chances of a successful career in the field.
Key Facts about Specialist Dentist
- Salary range: 38,900–75,300 SEK/month
- Education level: Dental degree + 3 years of specialization
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 92% of men's salaries
- Future outlook: Very good, demand expected to increase
- Work environment: Clinical setting with advanced technology and teamwork
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After 3–5 years as a specialist dentist, opportunities open for leadership roles, such as clinic manager, researcher, or university lecturer. Many choose to further develop their expertise across multiple specialties or engage in advanced research and supervision of younger colleagues. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate excellent job prospects within dentistry, with demand for specialist skills expected to grow over the next five years. The recruitment market is characterized by difficulties in finding experienced specialists, which further enhances the profession's attractiveness. Currently, there are 375 job openings in the field, reflecting high market demand.
Common Questions about Specialist Dentist
- What is the average salary of a Specialist Dentist?
- The average salary is 54 600 SEK per month.
- What is the highest salary for a Specialist Dentist?
- The highest salary is 75,300 SEK per month for men and 71,500 SEK for women.
- How does the salary differ between men and women?
- Women earn on average 53 400 SEK per month, which is 92% of men's salary at 58 100 SEK.
- What education is required to become a Specialist Dentist?
- First, a dental degree (5 years), then at least 2 years of experience and 3 years of specialization training.
- What are the future prospects for a Specialist Dentist?
- Demand is very high and expected to increase further in the coming years.
- What are the most common work environments for a Specialist Dentist?
- Most work at specialist clinics, hospitals, or within public dental care.
- What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
- Examples include leadership roles, research, and teaching at universities.
