Dental hygienist salary

Dental Hygienist Salary and Working Conditions

Working as a dental hygienist means being an important part of the dental care team. You are responsible for preventing and treating diseases in the mouth, which includes removing tartar, applying fluoride, and providing advice on oral hygiene. The profession requires skill and good patient care.

Salary for a Dental Hygienist

The salary for a dental hygienist varies depending on several factors such as experience, workplace, and education. The average monthly salary is 38 500 kronor, with a specific difference between genders where women earn the same on average while men earn slightly less, around 37 800 kronor. This gender distribution means that women earn approximately 102% of what men do in the same profession.

For dental hygienists working on an hourly basis, the average hourly wage is 231 kronor, based on a work month of 166 hours. It is also worth noting that the salary development has been positive, as the average salary has increased from 37 500 to 38 500 kronor since the last measurement.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a dental hygienist is 40400 kronor, which a woman in the private sector with a shorter post-secondary education has. For men in the same profession, the highest salary is 39500 kronor. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a male dental hygienist, working in the municipal sector with a longer post-secondary education, has been reported as 33500 kronor. For women, the lowest salary is 34200 kronor.

Education for Dental Hygienists

To become a dental hygienist, a post-secondary education is required, which is normally two to three years long. The education focuses on oral health, treatment techniques, and patient communication. After completing the education, you can choose to work in public healthcare or the private sector, which can affect your working conditions and salary.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to the employment agency's forecasts, the future outlook for dental hygienists looks promising. The opportunities to find work in this field are considered significant, both now and in the five-year perspective. However, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation, where there are recruitment difficulties and a high proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession at the same time.

Working Conditions

Dental hygienists often work in bright and clean environments with access to modern dental equipment. The work requires great precision and accuracy as well as a good ability to communicate and work with patients. It is a social profession where you meet people daily and help them achieve better oral health.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Benefits for dental hygienists may vary depending on the employer. In some cases, there may be opportunities for paid further education or conferences. However, it is not very common for dental hygienists to have the opportunity to work from home, given the nature of the profession.

What to Consider as a Prospective Dental Hygienist

If you are considering a career as a dental hygienist, it is important to have a passion for health and well-being as well as an interest in dental care and oral hygiene. Good communication skills and an empathetic approach are also crucial to succeed in the profession. You should also be prepared to constantly update your knowledge and skills as dental care evolves.

• Average monthly salary: 38 500 kr
• Hourly wage: 231 kr
• Highest salary: 40400 kr (woman, private sector)
• Lowest salary: 33500 kr (man, municipal sector)
• Length of education: 2-3 years
• Future job prospects: Significant