Dental technician assistant

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

A dental technician assistant works closely with dental technicians and assists in the manufacturing, repair, and adjustment of dental prosthetics such as dentures, crowns, and bridges. The tasks often include preparatory and finishing steps, such as cleaning molds, mixing materials, and simple assembly under the supervision of a responsible dental technician. The environment is characterized by meticulous craftsmanship, sometimes combined with machine processing and working with small, detailed components. Workplaces are usually found in dental laboratories, involving both independent and assisting tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary for a dental technician assistant has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, increasing to 33 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 9% during the period. The salary increase can be explained by a generally increased demand for qualified technical support in dental care, as well as a greater focus on quality and specialization in the profession. The industry's demand for labor and ongoing technological development also contribute to rising wages. Despite this, clear gender pay gaps remain, with men earning on average higher salaries than women.

Dental technician assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,300 SEK/month (female), 35,200 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 40,900 SEK/month (male), 35,800 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 75% of what men do (28,300 SEK vs 37 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a dental technician assistant, a high school education in healthcare, technology, or crafts is usually required, but there are also opportunities to learn the profession through on-the-job training. Formal education requirements vary between employers, and it is common to supplement with shorter courses in material science or hygiene. Practical experience and an interest in fine motor craftsmanship are highly valued.

• High school education: Healthcare and social care programs or technical/craft-oriented (3 years)
• Practical training: Internships or workplace-based learning are common
• Short courses: Material science, work environment, and hygiene
• Prerequisites: Precision and good fine motor skills
• Tips: Experience from laboratory work is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Dental technician assistants are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pensions, insurance, and holiday pay. Employee discounts on dental products, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development are also common. The work is typically carried out during daytime hours, providing stable schedules and good work-life balance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a dental technician assistant is affected by the relatively limited number of training places and employers' requirements for practical experience. Reliable statistics on demand are lacking, but within the field of fine mechanics, there are 341 available jobs. Challenges in the profession include high demands for precision, work environment issues related to chemicals and ergonomics, and the need for continuous adaptation to new technologies. Those wishing to advance in the field may need to demonstrate flexibility and an interest in technological development.

Tips for aspiring dental technician assistants

To succeed as a dental technician assistant, it's important to be precise and detail-oriented, as the work often requires accuracy in small tasks. An interest in technology facilitates the introduction of new materials and tools, so staying updated and showing curiosity about industry developments is beneficial. Patience is a key trait, especially when tasks involve repetition and precision, which also help reduce errors. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to changing routines is appreciated by employers, especially as digitalization and new working methods are common. Good teamwork skills are essential since the work involves close dialogue with dental technicians and sometimes dentists. Showing interest in further training or courses can provide advantages in employment and career development. Finally, good communication skills are important for understanding instructions and contributing to an efficient workflow in the laboratory.

Key facts about Dental Technician Assistant

• Salary range: 28,300–40,900 SEK/month
• Educational level: High school education, often supplemented with practical training
• Work environment: Laboratory-based, usually daytime
• Demand: 341 available jobs in the field
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 75% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a dental technician assistant, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles within the laboratory, such as team leader or training manager. Some choose to further their education to become fully qualified dental technicians, opening doors to more advanced tasks and higher salaries. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for dental technician assistants due to limited data, but demand within the field of fine mechanics remains stable with many available positions. Continued technological development and increased use of digital tools can create new career paths for those interested in innovation and learning. The job market is considered relatively secure, especially for those who are flexible and willing to further their education.

Frequently asked questions about Dental Technician Assistant

• What is the average salary of a dental technician assistant?
  - The average salary for a dental technician assistant is 34 800 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a dental technician assistant?
  - Typically, high school education in healthcare, technology, or crafts, along with practical training or workplace learning, is required.
• Are there gender differences in salary for dental technician assistants?
  - Yes, women earn on average 75% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the work environment like for dental technician assistants?
  - The work primarily takes place in a laboratory environment with a focus on precision and technical craftsmanship, usually during daytime hours.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include advancing to more specialized roles or further training as a dental technician.
• How many job openings are available within the field?
  - There are 341 available jobs according to current statistics.
• What personal qualities are important for a dental technician assistant?
  - Attention to detail, patience, technical interest, and good teamwork skills are especially important.