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Saudi Arabia Expands National Workforce in Dental Healthcare

New Saudisation Targets Set for Dental and Pharmaceutical Sectors

The Saudi Arabian government has announced increased employment targets for Saudi nationals in dental and pharmaceutical professions, marking another step in the kingdom’s ongoing healthcare sector localization efforts. Health Minister Fahad Al Jalajel outlined specific targets that will see the percentage of Saudi nationals in the dental profession rise to 55%, accompanied by a minimum wage requirement of SR9,000.

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Sector Reforms

The pharmaceutical sector is experiencing a tiered approach to nationalization, with varying targets across different healthcare settings. According to Minister Al Jalajel’s announcement, community pharmacies will need to achieve 35% Saudi national employment, while hospitals must reach 65%, and other pharmaceutical activities are required to meet a 55% threshold.

Implementation Timeline and Scope

The initiative builds upon previous localization efforts that began in 2023. “Recent decisions to expand localisation of the Saudi healthcare sector [represent] pioneering strides,” stated Al Jalajel. The policy’s foundation was laid in September 2023, when the Ministry of Human Resources established a six-month adjustment period for private sector dentistry institutions to meet an initial 35% Saudi workforce requirement, specifically targeting facilities with three or more dental professionals.

Broader Healthcare Sector Transformation

The dental and pharmaceutical initiatives are part of a larger healthcare sector transformation. In November 2024, Saudi Arabia introduced comprehensive plans to increase national participation across multiple healthcare disciplines in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has established specific targets for various medical fields:

  • Radiology: 64% Saudi workforce requirement
  • Medical Laboratory Services: 70% nationalization target
  • Therapeutic Nutrition: 80% local workforce quota
  • Physiotherapy: 80% Saudi national employment requirement

Phased Implementation Strategy

The implementation of these new healthcare sector requirements follows a two-phase approach throughout 2025. The first phase, commencing April 17, will focus on medical institutions in major Saudi cities including Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khubar, as well as larger institutions across other regions. The second phase, beginning October 17, will extend the requirements to all healthcare institutions throughout the kingdom.

These measures align with Saudi Arabia’s broader “Saudisation” labor policy, which aims to increase national employment across various sectors of the economy.

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