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Apr 11, 2026
If you're a dentist planning to work in Dubai, passing the DHA exam is the first step to getting licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). DHA (Dubai Health Authority) is the official healthcare regulator responsible for licensing medical professionals in Dubai.
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The DHA dentist exam consists of 150 MCQs conducted over 170 minutes. Candidates must score at least 60% overall and above 60% in one major subject. The total cost starts from AED 2,020, and results are valid for 5 years. The exam is conducted by Prometric and can be taken globally. |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 150 MCQs |
| Duration | 170 minutes |
| Passing Score | 60% overall + subject-based criteria |
| Attempts Allowed | 3 (DHA + MOH + DOH combined) |
| Result Validity | 5 years |
| Fees | Starting from ~AED 2,020 |
| Conducted By | Prometric |
| Exam Location | Available globally (India, UAE, etc.) |
| Table of Contents |
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| What is the DHA Exam for Dentists? |
| Who is eligible for the DHA dentist exam? |
| DHA Exam Eligibility for Dentists |
| DHA Exam Fees for Dentists |
| DHA Exam Pattern for Dentists |
| DHA Dentist Exam Passing Score |
| DHA Exam Syllabus for Dentists |
| How to Apply for the DHA Dentist Exam? |
| Tips for DHA Exam Preparation |
The DHA exam is a mandatory licensing examination conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It is administered by Prometric, a globally recognised computer-based testing provider. The exam tests your clinical knowledge, patient safety awareness, and understanding of UAE dental practice standards.
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Important: The DHA license is valid only in Dubai and not across the UAE.
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Dentists with a recognized BDS/DMD degree, completed internship, minimum 2 years of clinical experience, and a valid professional license are eligible for the DHA exam. Before applying, confirm you meet all the eligibility requirements set by the Dubai Health Authority.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | BDS, DMD, or DDS from a nationally accredited institution recognised by the UAE. Distance learning and honorary degrees are not accepted. |
| Internship |
Mandatory one-year internship after graduation.
Important: If proof cannot be provided, an additional two years of clinical experience is required as an alternative.
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| Clinical Experience | Valid and active license from your last country of practice. |
| Professional License | Government |
| SGood Standing Certificate | TIssued by the relevant regulatory body. Must not be older than six months at the time of application. |
| Practice Gap (Non-UAE) | Media |
| Penetration Tester | Gap in clinical practice must be less than five years. Gaps of 3–5 years require CME credits and clinical training before applying. |
DataFlow Warning: DHA verifies every document directly with the issuing institution through DataFlow (PSV). If any document is found inaccurate, the result is often a permanent 'Not Recommended' status on the Sheryan portal. There is no appeal. Every document must be authentic.
To strengthen your preparation, joining a structured DHA Course can help you focus on high-weight subjects, practise clinical MCQs, and follow a guided study plan aligned with the latest exam pattern.
Prepare these documents before starting your application. A missing document can delay the process by weeks.
Learn How to Apply for the DHA Exam for Dentists Step by Step
The total DHA exam cost for dentists ranges from approximately AED 2,000 to AED 3,400, including DataFlow verification, application fees, exam fees, and license activation. Candidates are required to pay fees across multiple stages of the application process. The breakdown of the DHA exam fee structure for dentists is given below.
| Profession | PSV / Application (AED) | Exam Fee (AED) | Licensing (AED) | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Dentist | 1,000 - 1,235 | 808 -1,028 | 1,000 - 1,100 | 2,800 – 3,400 |
| Specialist Dentist | 1,000 -1,235 | 808 -1,028 | 1,000 - 1,100 | 3,000 – 3,400 |
| Additional Cost | Estimated Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Manual application review (if flagged during screening) | AED 200 |
| DHA Oral Assessment - Standard | AED 250 - 500 |
| DHA Oral Assessment - Urgent | AED 2,000 |
| Good Standing Certificate | AED 500 |
| DHA License Activation Fee (annual) | AED 1,000 - 1,100 |
All fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest amounts on the official Sheryan portal at sheryan.dha.gov.ae before making any payment. Source: DHA Sheryan portal and eDentalPortal fee structure, 2025/2026.
Learn about the detailed breakdown of DHA Exam Fees in Dubai to understand all costs involved in the licensing process.
The DHA dentist exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), conducted over 170 minutes, with no negative marking and a passing score of 60%. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs |
| Duration | 170 minutes (updated by Prometric, January 2026) |
| Forma | Computer-Based Test (CBT) - English language |
| Options Per Question | 4 choices - select 1 correct answer |
| Negative Marking | None - no penalty for wrong answers |
| Question Type | Clinical scenario-based MCQs (majority) + knowledge recall MCQs |
| Tooth Notation | IFDI two-digit system used throughout - practise before exam day |
| Time Per Question | Approximately 68 seconds (170 min ÷ 150 questions) |
| Results | Electronic score report sent by email immediately after completing the exam |
| Exam Location | Prometric centres globally |
The 2026 exam contains more clinical scenario-based questions than recall-based questions. Knowing a topic is not enough, you must be able to apply it to real patient cases.
Explore DHA dentist exam questions to understand question formats, clinical scenarios, and answering strategies.
The DHA uses a weighted scoring system for dentists. Simply reaching 60% overall is not enough.
To pass the DHA Dentist Exam, you must meet BOTH conditions:
A strong overall average alone will not guarantee a pass. Source: eDentalPortal, confirmed as of January 2026.
This is why exam preparation must prioritise Restorative Dentistry, Oral Medicine & Surgery, and Periodontics above all other subjects.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum attempts | 3 total - shared across DHA, MOH, and DOH combined |
| After 3 failed attempts | Must apply for a higher specialty title. Cannot re-attempt at the same level without additional specialist training. |
| Exam results validity | 5 years from the date of passing |
| Eligibility letter validity | 1 year - can be renewed without re-sitting if active clinical practice continues |
| Practice gap limit | Tess than 5 years for non-UAE nationals. Gaps of 3–5 years require CME credits and clinical training. |
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If you prefer flexibility, a DHA Online Course allows you to learn at your own pace with access to mock exams, recorded sessions, and expert guidance from anywhere.
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The DHA exam for dentists covers the full undergraduate dental curriculum. All dentists, regardless of specialty, are tested across the core subjects below.
The table below shows the approximate weight of each subject. Higher-weight subjects appear most frequently and should receive more study time.
| Subject Area | Approximate Weightage | Study Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Restorative Dentistry & Operative Dentistry | High | 1st |
| Oral Medicine & Surgery | High | 1st |
| Periodontics | High | 1st |
| Prosthodontics | Medium | 2nd |
| Endodontics | Medium | 2nd |
| Oral Radiology & Pathology | Medium | 2nd |
| Orthodontics | Supporting | 3rd |
| Paediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics) | Supporting | 3rd |
| Basic Medical Sciences | Supporting | 3rd |
| Ethics, Law & Patient Safety | Supporting | 3rd |
To pass the DHA exam, candidates must score 60% overall AND above 60% in at least one 'High' weight subject (Restorative Dentistry, Oral Medicine & Surgery, or Periodontics). A strong average across supporting subjects alone will not guarantee a pass.
| Subject | Recommended Textbook |
|---|---|
| Operative Dentistry | Sturdevant's Art & Science of Operative Dentistry |
| Endodontics | Grossman's Endodontic Practice |
| Periodontics | Carranza's Clinical Periodontology |
| Prosthodontics | Zarb & Bolender - Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients |
| Orthodontics | Proffit's Contemporary Orthodontics |
| Dental Materials | Phillips' Science of Dental Materials |
| Oral Pathology | Shafer's Textbook of Oral Pathology |
Applying for the DHA exam involves multiple stages. Here is the complete sequence.
Steps 3 and 4 (PSV and credentialing) run simultaneously and are the slowest part of the process. Do not wait, start these as early as possible. They can take 20–40 days.
Read the full process: How to Apply for the DHA Exam
Not every dentist is required to sit the oral assessment. It is required for certain specialists and consultants, and for some candidates identified during credential review. The assessment involves 5 clinical scenarios lasting approximately 15 - 20 minutes. You will be evaluated on real-time clinical decision-making, not theoretical recall. Standard oral assessment fee: AED 250 - AED 500. Urgent: AED 2,000.
If called for an oral assessment:
Passing the exam is the beginning, not the finish line. Here is the full path to practising dentistry in Dubai.
Learn about the benefits and opportunities of a DHA license for dentists.
Check out: DHA Exam Tips and Strategies for Dentists to improve your preparation and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Passing the DHA Dentist Exam is the gateway to a rewarding dental career in Dubai. Understanding the exam fees, syllabus, and exam pattern gives you a clear preparation roadmap. With the right study plan, the right resources, and consistent practice, you can pass on your first attempt. Always verify the latest fee and exam requirements on the official DHA Sheryan portal at sheryan.dha.gov.ae before applying, as these are subject to change.
