The Public Dental Health Service (PDHS) in Sweden has been challenged by increasing sickness rates among staff and difficulties in recruitment of staff , as well as a high staff turnover due to expected retirements. The aim of this study was to describe and compare self-rated health and strain symptoms for different work areas and occupational groups amongst dental care staff , and to analyse associations between strain symptoms, affective commitment to the workplace and self-rated work ability. An online questionnaire was sent to all PDHS staff in four regions of Sweden. Questions were mainly based on scales from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. A resulting response rate of 76 percent (n = 1345) was obtained. ANOVA and exploratory cluster analyses were used, in addition to descriptive and correlational analyses. The current study supported the view of previously reported research in Sweden with respect to employees of PDHS. In particular, non-managerial dentists in general practice from general practice have a stressful work environment. However, the study does contribute with new knowledge on how work-related stress, burnout symptoms and sleeping trouble (strain symptoms) differed according to work area and occupation. Furthermore, strain symptoms were linked to self-rated work ability and affective commitment to the workplace. The processes by which the work environment, health, and well-being of staff can be integrated is important knowledge for the dental field to consider when planning a future sustainable dental organization.