Dental hygienist salary

What does a Dental Hygienist do?

As a dental hygienist, you play an important role in dental care. Your main tasks include preventing and treating diseases of the mouth, which often involves performing teeth cleaning, applying fluoride treatments, and providing advice on oral hygiene. You typically work closely with dentists and other dental care specialists. The work environment is usually a dental clinic, but it can also be within schools or other healthcare facilities.

Dental Hygienist salary and statistics

What does a Dental Hygienist earn? The average salary for a dental hygienist is 38 500 SEK per month. There are some gender differences where women earn an average of 38 500 SEK while men are slightly lower at 37 800 SEK. On an hourly basis, this corresponds to a salary of about 231 SEK per hour.

The highest salary for a dental hygienist is 40,400 SEK, which belongs to a woman working as a privately employed official with a post-secondary education shorter than three years. For men, the highest salary is 39,500 SEK. The lowest salary for a dental hygienist is 33,500 SEK for men and 34,200 SEK for women, depending on the sector and education level.

Salary development over time

The salary for dental hygienists has increased by 1,000 SEK in the past year, from 37 500 to 38 500 SEK. This increase indicates a stable development within the profession.

Education and qualifications

To become a dental hygienist, you need to complete a college education in dental hygiene, which usually takes three years. The education provides you with both theoretical and practical knowledge needed to perform the profession effectively.

Common benefits

As a dental hygienist, you can often expect benefits such as paid further education and, in some cases, the possibility of remote work or flexible hours. Many employers also offer occupational pensions and wellness grants.

Competition and challenges

The job market for dental hygienists is favorable with great employment opportunities. According to the Employment Agency, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are recruitment difficulties and a high percentage of part-time workers. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged.

Tips for aspiring Dental Hygienists

To succeed in the profession, it is important to stay updated with the latest research in dental care and continuously develop your practical skills. Having a good demeanor and the ability to provide patients with a positive experience is also crucial.

Career paths

After a few years in the profession, you can advance to specialized roles within dental care or take on more administrative and leadership tasks. Further education can also open doors to teaching in the field or research.

Future prospects and demand

The future prospects for dental hygienists are stable with continued high demand nationally. The Employment Agency assesses that job opportunities are significant, although there are some recruitment challenges.

Frequently asked questions about Dental Hygienist

• What does a Dental Hygienist earn? A dental hygienist earns an average of 38 500 SEK per month.
• How do you become a Dental Hygienist? You become a dental hygienist by completing a three-year college education in dental hygiene.
• Is it easy to get a job? Yes, the opportunities to get a job as a dental hygienist are great according to the Employment Agency.
• Is it stressful to work as a Dental Hygienist? The workload can vary, but the profession can involve stressful periods depending on the workplace and workload.
• What qualities are important as a Dental Hygienist? Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to create a positive patient experience are important qualities.
• What different types of Dental Hygienist are there? Dental hygienists can work in various sectors such as public, private, or in education and research.