The Swedish Association of Public Dental Officers
Tjänstetandläkarna, the Swedish association of employed dentists
Tjänstetandläkarna is a trade union for Swedish dentists employed within the public or private sector. The main purpose of Tjänstetandläkarna is to monitor the dentists’ working conditions and also to watch over professional interests within the Swedish dentistry. More then 4000 dentist are associated to the organisation; a majority of whom are working within the public sphere but the amount of members employed within the private sector, like the pharmaceutical industry or private dental companies, are increasing.
About 80 % of the employed dentists have joined Tjänstetandläkarna and together we form a strong voice for the dentists’ opinions. Being a member of the organization also provides security; the membership can be compared to an insurance that protects the employees in case of changes in their working conditions. The membership does not only strengthen the status of employees within dentistry but also offers members to be a part of a national collegial network.
The union was established in 1990 when Tjänstetandläkarna parted with the Swedish Dental Association (SDA). Through the separation specific areas of responsibility got divided between the organisations and Tjänstetandläkarna got the character of a trade union and became responsible for such activities. As an example Tjänstetandläkarna bargains with the employer on behalf of our members and negotiates labour contracts with employers along with observing workplace safety. The cooperation between Tjänstetandläkarna and the SDA is still very intimate and all members of the union also hold membership in the SDA.
Tjänstetandläkarna represents the union’s members in different areas, such as:
- in matters related to dental care
- in contract and negotiation issues
- advising and assisting members in matters concerning their employment
Tjänstetandläkarna is a member organization and the democratic process is fundamental. All members have an opportunity to raise topics for discussion through the local sections. Our mission is founded in a joint business plan, which is established by the annual society meeting and the activities are carried out by the local sections, the board, and the registry office.