Workforce trends and distribution of endodontists in Saudi Arabia

Endodontists play a vital role in preserving natural dentition through specialized care. Despite significant growth in the dental workforce in Saudi Arabia, there is limited data on the demographic trends, professional ranks, and regional distribution of endodontists. This study aims to analyze the endodontic workforce in Saudi Arabia, focusing on workforce growth, gender and nationality distribution, professional rankings, and regional variations in training programs and the number of practicing endodontists.

A retrospective analytical study was conducted using data from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). All registered endodontists practicing in Saudi Arabia up to December 2024 were included. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze workforce trends, professional ranks, and trainee distribution. The endodontist-to-population ratio was calculated based on Saudi Arabia's 2023 population.

A total of 1,336 endodontists were identified, with 61.45% being Saudi nationals. Male practitioners comprised 61.45% of the workforce. Consultants accounted for 33.16% of all endodontists, with Saudi nationals dominating higher professional ranks. Significant regional disparities were observed in the distribution of endodontists and trainees, with Riyadh and Makkah hosting the majority of both groups. The endodontist-to-population ratio reached 4.1 per 100,000 people.

This study reveals substantial growth in Saudi Arabia's endodontic workforce, with notable regional disparities in trainee distribution. Future studies should focus on addressing these disparities and assisting policymakers in achieving balanced workforce development. Moreover, future research could explore the impact of these regional disparities on patient care outcomes, including accessibility, quality of care, and treatment success rates in underserved areas.