Orthodontic specialist

What does an orthodontic specialist do? – Tasks and work environment

An orthodontic specialist works with diagnosing, preventing, and treating bite irregularities in both children and adults. The role involves analyzing jaw and tooth positions, designing, and implementing individualized treatment plans. The work includes using braces, aligners, and sometimes more advanced orthodontic tools. The orthodontic specialist collaborates closely with general dentists, dental assistants, and occasionally maxillofacial surgeons. The work environment is clinical, demanding high precision, meticulousness, and good patient interaction, with both public and private clinics being common workplaces.

Salary development over time

The salary for orthodontic specialists has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,700 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 54 400 SEK. In 2024, the average salary continued upward to 54 600 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 3.6% over three years. This slow but steady salary increase reflects a continued high demand for specialist competence in dentistry, while the supply of trained specialists remains limited. Salary levels are also influenced by factors such as experience, education level, and geographic location of the workplace, with larger cities often offering slightly higher salaries. The trend points toward increased salary disparity, where the most experienced and highly educated specialists can reach significantly higher levels than the average.

Orthodontic specialist 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
• Gender differences: Women earn 92% of men's salaries (men 58 100 SEK, women 53 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Larger cities tend to offer higher salaries

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an orthodontic specialist is long and requires both theoretical and practical training at a high level. First, a dental degree (5 years) is needed, followed by at least three years of full-time specialist training in orthodontics. Additionally, licensure from the National Board of Health and Welfare and often practical experience in orthodontics are required. The demands for accuracy, scientific grounding, and communication skills are high even during training.

• Dental degree: 5 years at university
• Specialist training in orthodontics: 3 years (full-time)
• Licensure: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare
• Practical training: Required for specialist certification
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and approved grades in science subjects

Common benefits and compensations

Orthodontic specialists are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation policies, wellness allowances, and sometimes opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. The work is generally daytime, providing good opportunities for work-life balance, and many employers also offer parental leave benefits and health insurance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for places to train as an orthodontic specialist is high, making the admission process demanding. At the same time, there is a strong demand for specialists on the job market, leading to good employment opportunities but also a high responsibility to maintain quality in care. Challenges include managing complex patient cases, keeping up with rapid technological developments, and coordinating efforts with other healthcare providers. Workload can be intense at times, especially in larger cities with high patient volumes.

Tips for aspiring orthodontic specialists

To succeed as an orthodontic specialist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a keen eye for detail, as assessments and treatment plans require high precision. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and patients, especially when explaining treatment options and building trust. Patience and endurance are important, as treatments often last several years and may require adjustments along the way. An interest in technical tools and digital methods is also advantageous, as modern techniques are rapidly evolving in the field. Finally, a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development is essential to stay updated with the latest research and treatment methods.

Key facts about orthodontic specialists

• Salary range: 38,900–75,300 SEK/month
• Education level: Dental degree + 3 years of specialist training
• Work environment: Clinical, patient-centered, and technology-intensive
• Demand: Very high, good future prospects
• Typical employment: Employment in both public and private sectors

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an orthodontic specialist can advance to leading roles within clinical operations, such as clinic manager or specialist supervisor. Opportunities also exist to work in research, educate future dentists, or start their own practice. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the job market for dentists, including orthodontic specialists, is very favorable both now and in the next five years. The demand is expected to grow, and recruitment difficulties have been reported, which enhances employment and salary development prospects. Currently, there are 375 job openings in the field, indicating a strong labor market. Regional differences may exist, but overall, the opportunities for employment are very good nationwide.

Common questions about orthodontic specialists

• What does an orthodontic specialist earn?
  - An orthodontic specialist has an average salary of 54 600 SEK per month. The salary range is between 38,900 and 75,300 SEK depending on experience and education.
• How do you become an orthodontic specialist?
  - First, a dental degree (5 years), then at least three years of specialist training in orthodontics and licensure from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 53 400 SEK while men earn 58 100 SEK, which means women earn 92% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The demand for orthodontic specialists is very high and expected to increase further according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts.
• What are common workplaces?
  - Common workplaces include specialist clinics in both public and private sectors as well as larger dental care units.
• What are the key qualities for the profession?
  - Precision, analytical skills, good communication, and endurance are central qualities for success as an orthodontic specialist.
• What is the hourly wage for an orthodontic specialist?
  - A part-time orthodontic specialist has an average hourly wage of 328 SEK.