Statistics on dental clinics in Saudi Arabia: 5.7 million patients, with the Eastern Province leading the way

The dental sector in Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant growth and a notable increase in demand for treatment and preventative services. Data released by the Ministry of Health's health clusters revealed that dental clinics more than 5.69 million patients across the Kingdom last year. These figures reflect the extensive efforts undertaken to improve access to healthcare services and develop the infrastructure of medical facilities.

Women are at the forefront of the health scene

In a clear indication of the rising health awareness among Saudi women, recent statistics show that women outnumbered men in terms of visits to health clinics compared to 2.03 million visits by men. Children also received significant attention from families, with 1.13 million visits, demonstrating the success of awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of oral and dental health from a young age to prevent future health problems.

Eastern Province leads, with Asir in second place

In terms of geographical distribution, the Eastern Health Cluster ranked first in the total number of patient visits , recording 593,136 visits. Women constituted the largest group with 235,508 visits, followed by men with 183,887 visits, and then children with 173,741 visits. The ranking of the other regions was as follows:

• Asir Health Cluster: ranked second with 552,035 patients.
• Makkah Health Cluster: It came in third with 515,484 patients.
• Madinah Health Cluster: 476,224 patients recorded.
• Riyadh Health Cluster II: ranked fifth with 408,234 patients.

In contrast, some clusters recorded lower numbers, with the Northern Borders cluster coming in last with 76,788 visits, preceded by the Hail Health Complex and the Third Riyadh Health Cluster.

Transforming the health sector and Vision 2030

These statistics come within the context of the significant transformation underway in the Kingdom's healthcare sector, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The healthcare transformation program aims to restructure healthcare services to enhance their efficiency and quality. The transition to a "health cluster" system is a strategic step designed to facilitate access to services for beneficiaries, reduce waiting times, and focus on preventative care rather than solely on curative care.

The importance of oral and dental health care

Experts confirm that the rising number of patients, particularly among women and children, reflects a positive shift in the health culture of Saudi society. Oral and dental care is not merely cosmetic; it is an integral part of overall health, as gum and teeth diseases are linked to numerous chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. The Ministry of Health is continuously working to expand specialized dental services to cover all governorates and villages, contributing to a better quality of life for both citizens and residents.