Dental assistant

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

A dental assistant supports the dental team in daily work at clinics and public dental care centers. Tasks include preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, assisting with minor treatments, caring for patients before and after visits, and handling administrative duties such as scheduling and ordering supplies. The role often involves close cooperation with dentists and dental nurses, requiring good teamwork and service skills. The work environment is typically clinic-based and can be physically and mentally demanding, with high patient contact and varied tasks during the workday.

Salary development over time

The salary for a dental assistant has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, increasing in 2023 to 29 400 SEK. One year later, in 2024, the average salary has risen to 30 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 11% over three years. This positive development can be explained by increased demand for support roles in dentistry, as well as general salary adjustments within the healthcare and social care sectors. The higher salary growth is also partly due to employers' efforts to retain and attract staff in a competitive sector, where tasks are becoming more specialized and demand higher service and flexibility.

Dental assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (female): 26,500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (male): 26,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary (female): 41,700 SEK/month
• Highest salary (male): 35,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
• Women earn: 102% of men's salaries (30 400 SEK vs 29 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Limited data, but variations may occur depending on employer and location

Education and qualifications

To work as a dental assistant, no formal university education is usually required, but many employers prefer applicants with a vocational care and welfare qualification or experience in service roles. Introductory courses and on-the-job training are common, including practical training and supervision. Some regions offer shorter courses specifically aimed at dental assistants, and there are often opportunities to learn the profession through internships or traineeships.

• Vocational care and welfare education: 3 years, often advantageous
• On-the-job practice: Common during introduction
• Short courses: May be offered by regions or public dental services
• No formal license required: The profession is open to those with relevant experience
• Service skills: Customer contact experience is an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Dental assistants often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pensions, wellness allowances, and paid further training. Other common compensations include shift bonuses for unsocial hours, subsidized lunches, and options for flexible or part-time work. In some cases, extra vacation days or skill development opportunities are offered by the employer.

Competition and challenges

The job market for dental assistants is characterized by relatively high competition, as the profession does not require extensive training and attracts many applicants interested in healthcare and service. At the same time, increasing demands are placed on flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially during periods of high patient load. The tasks are often physically demanding, such as handling equipment and materials. Developments in dental technology and digital record systems also introduce new work tasks, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with technical environments. Despite this, there are good employment opportunities, especially for proactive individuals willing to learn new skills.

Tips for aspiring dental assistants

To succeed as a dental assistant, it is beneficial to combine thoroughness with a positive attitude towards service and teamwork. Being attentive and able to empathize with patients facilitates the work, especially when situations become stressful or unexpected. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new routines or tasks are also important, as the workday rarely looks the same. Showing responsibility and taking initiative are appreciated by colleagues and employers. For those wishing to develop further, taking advantage of internal training opportunities and actively seeking supervision is recommended. Finally, patience and the ability to work in a structured manner are crucial for job satisfaction and performing well in the role.

Key facts about dental assistants

• Salary range: 26,500–41,700 SEK/month
• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Education requirements: No formal license, vocational education advantageous
• Work environment: Clinic-based, daytime or shift work
• Job openings (2024): 375 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a dental assistant can choose to further qualify as a dental nurse or seek other roles within dentistry, such as reception work or administrative support. Advancement opportunities are limited, as it is a support role without a license. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for dental assistants due to limited data, but there is demand within the wider healthcare and social care sector, with a total of 375 job openings. Future prospects are primarily influenced by developments in public dental care and the need for support resources, making the job market stable, though competition may occur in some regions.

Frequently asked questions about dental assistants

• What is the average salary of a dental assistant?
  - The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a dental assistant?
  - The highest salary is 41,700 SEK and the lowest is 26,500 SEK per month.
• Is education required to become a dental assistant?
  - No formal education is required, but vocational care and welfare education is advantageous.
• What are the working hours for a dental assistant?
  - Usually daytime, sometimes shift work or weekend shifts depending on the workplace.
• What are the future prospects for dental assistants?
  - The outlook is stable with many job openings, but competition may occur.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 102% of men's salaries.
• What are the opportunities for further education?
  - You can further qualify as, for example, a dental nurse or administrator within dentistry.