Evaluation of the Nationalization of the Dental Profession in Saudi Arabia: An Opportunity to Support Policy Adjustments

Aim: This study evaluates the nationalization of the dental profession in Saudi Arabia by examining workforce trends, sectoral distribution (Ministry of Health (MOH), other governmental and private), and the impact of Saudization policies between 2021 and 2023.
Material and methods: Data from the MOH Statistical Yearbooks for 2021 and 2023 were analyzed, including dentists’ distribution by nationality in MOH dental hospitals, primary health centers (PHCs), other governmental hospitals, and private clinics.
Results: Between 2021 and 2023, dentist employment grew by 14.7%, with Saudization improving in MOH (from 86% to 89.4%) and in the private sector (from 30.3% to 33.3%). Non-Saudi dentists decreased in MOH hospitals, driving Saudization improvements. Saudization in MOH hospitals increased by 9.49%, while PHCs experienced a slight declined (-0.65%). Male dentists’ Saudization rose by 3.01%, while female dentists maintained a higher rate, reaching 94% in 2023. Riyadh led Saudization in MOH (97.5%), with significant increases in Najran (+11.52%) and Aseer (+5.60%), though Northern Borders saw a decline (-0.81%). Other governmental hospitals, such as Saudi Airlines Medical Services (+33.3%) and Royal Commission Hospitals (+26.77%), showed substantial gains, while the Ministry of Education declined (-8.03%). Private sector trends were similar, with Aseer (+5.60%) leading gains, while Northern Borders (-0.81%) and Hail (-0.06%) experienced declines.
 Conclusion: Significant progress has been made in Saudization, particularly in MOH hospitals and the private sector between 2021 and 2023. However, regional and sectoral disparities persist, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to ensure balanced and sustainable nationalization efforts in the dental profession.