How much does a Dentist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Dentist
Image that illustrates Dentist

Dentist

33 500 kr

Dental assistants

27 300 - 38 100 kr / month

Women earn 111% of what men do.

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Salary progression Dentist

Average salary 33 500 kr
Males 30 200 kr
Females 33 500 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 90 Vacant jobs ->

What does a dental assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A dental assistant works closely with dentists and dental hygienists and is responsible for a range of practical and administrative tasks within dental care. Common duties include assisting during examinations and treatments, sterilizing and preparing instruments, managing patient records, and providing support and information to patients before, during, and after visits. The work environment is often clinic-based, with a fast pace and high standards of hygiene and accuracy. Dental assistants meet people of all ages and situations daily, which requires both social skills and the ability to handle stress.

Salary development over time

The salary for dental assistants has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, rising to 31 200 SEK in the following year – an increase of about 5%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further increased to 33 500 SEK, which corresponds to a growth of just over 7%. This positive trend can partly be explained by an increased need for dental assistants as the population ages, along with a general salary adjustment within the healthcare sector to attract and retain staff. Despite the relatively strong increases, the profession remains fairly evenly paid across different regions and employers, although some variations occur depending on experience and sector.

Dental assistant salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (men), 28,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (men), 37,800 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 111 % of what men do (men 30 200 SEK, women 33 500 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Relatively small, but variations may occur depending on the labor market and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a dental assistant, a post-secondary vocational training is required, offered at several vocational colleges across the country. The education typically lasts between one and a half to two years and includes both theoretical and practical components. An internship at a dental clinic is an integral and important part of the training to gain insight into the daily work and requirements of the profession. Prior knowledge in healthcare and care work is often advantageous but not always mandatory.

  • Type of education: Vocational training at a vocational college (1.5–2 years)
  • Practical training (LIA): Usually at least 15–20 weeks during the program
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Certifications: No formal requirements, but some employers may prefer additional courses in hygiene or administration
  • Tips for choosing: Select a program with strong links to working life and good internship opportunities

An interesting aspect of the dental assistant profession is the close patient contact and the opportunity to contribute to people's health every day. Many dental assistants report that small conversations and the ability to instill confidence make the job particularly rewarding, especially when working with children or individuals with dental anxiety.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Dental assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, professional development, and flexible working hours. Some employers also provide subsidized dental care, collective insurance schemes, and pension contributions. In the public sector, parental pay and additional sick leave benefits may also be available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a dental assistant is considered moderate, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of qualified professionals. A challenge is that the tasks can be physically demanding and sometimes monotonous, especially during long workdays. Additionally, a high degree of accuracy and stress resilience is required, as the work involves direct patient contact and often under time pressure. Digitalization and new treatment methods also demand continuous further training. Although demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years, staying updated on new techniques and tools is important to remain competitive.

Tips for aspiring dental assistants

To succeed as a dental assistant, it is beneficial to have a genuine desire to help others and a high level of service. Patience is important when working with patients who have anxiety or fear, while flexibility is key to managing varied tasks and quick changes during the workday. Precision and responsibility are crucial when handling instruments and records, and good teamwork skills are needed to work effectively with dentists and other staff. Being attentive to patients' needs and able to adapt communication to different individuals is a significant advantage in the profession.

Key facts about dental assistants

  • Education level: Post-secondary vocational training (1.5–2 years)
  • Work environment: Clinic-based, often in the public sector
  • Job market: 375 available jobs nationwide
  • Demand: Moderate, prognosis unchanged for five years
  • Typical working hours: Full-time, daytime, with some evening shifts

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a dental assistant, there are opportunities to specialize further, for example in orthodontics, implant treatments, or take on more administrative responsibilities such as reception work or supervisory roles. Some choose to further their education to become a dental hygienist or to take on training roles within vocational colleges. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the job market is balanced, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This provides good employment opportunities, especially for those flexible and willing to work in different locations.

Frequently asked questions about dental assistants

  • What is the average salary of a dental assistant?
    - A dental assistant has an average salary of 33 500 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 111 % of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a dental assistant?
    - A post-secondary vocational training of 1.5–2 years is required.
  • What is the job market like for dental assistants?
    - There are 375 job openings nationwide and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the future.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 38,100 SEK (men) and 37,800 SEK (women); the lowest is 27,300 SEK (men) and 28,900 SEK (women).
  • What personal qualities are important for a dental assistant?
    - Good teamwork, accuracy, stress resilience, and a service-oriented attitude are essential qualities.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, you can further train as a dental hygienist or specialize in various fields.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 16:14:37

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dentist is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 37800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Dentist is 27300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25600 kr 29700 kr
25-34 28200 kr 28600 kr
35-44 30400 kr 30600 kr
45-54 33500 kr 33600 kr
55-64 35100 kr 35200 kr
65-68 41800 kr 41900 kr
Snitt 111% 33200 kr 33500 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Dentist has the SSYK code 5350, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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