How To Get Licence In UAE as Dentist
A Pakistani dentist is eligible to apply for a license to practice in the UAE. However, the UAE has a decentralized healthcare regulatory system, meaning there isn’t one single license for the entire country. Instead, you’ll need to obtain a license from one of the following health authorities, depending on which emirate you intend to work in
There are 3 Authorities
Dubai Health Authority (DHA): For practicing in Dubai.
Department of Health (DOH) – formerly HAAD: For practicing in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP/MOH): For practicing in the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah).
Steep-by-Step Guide:
Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or an equivalent degree from a recognized dental school listed in the Avicenna database (formerly WHO directory of medical and dental schools).
Internship: Completion of a mandatory one-year internship (house job) after graduation.
Clinical Experience:
General Dentist: Typically, a minimum of 2 years of post-internship clinical experience is required for DHA and DOH/HAAD. MOHAP also requires 2 years of experience after internship. If you don’t have documented internship evidence, you might need an additional two years of clinical experience.
Specialist/Consultant: Requirements vary based on the specialty and authority but generally require a recognized postgraduate qualification (e.g., MDS) and specific years of experience in that specialty (e.g., 2-4 years post-specialization).
No Interruption in Practice: Generally, no interruption in clinical practice for more than 2 years. If there’s a gap, you might need to undertake a supervised training period or acquire additional CME/CPD credits.
English Language Proficiency: While not always a specific exam requirement for the license itself (unlike Western countries), you are expected to be proficient in English for effective communication in a multicultural healthcare environment.
Pass the Licensing Examination
Computer-Based Test (CBT): All three authorities (DHA, DOH/HAAD, MOHAP) require you to pass a computer-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam, typically administered by Prometric.
DHA Exam: Specific to Dubai. Usually 150 MCQs, 170 minutes. Passing score varies but is generally around 60%.
DOH (HAAD) Exam: Specific to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Usually 150 MCQs, 3 hours. Passing score around 65%.
MOHAP Exam: For the Northern Emirates. Usually 150 MCQs, 3 hours. Passing score around 60%.
Oral Assessment (sometimes required): In some cases, especially for certain specialties or if there are concerns after the CBT, an oral assessment (viva) might be required.
Exam Content: The exams cover a broad range of dental subjects, including restorative dentistry, oral medicine/surgery, periodontics, pharmacology, ethics, and basic sciences.
Exam Locations: Prometric centers are available worldwide, so you may be able to take the exam in your home country or a nearby location. However, confirming with Prometric and the specific UAE authority is essential.
Once employed, your license will be activated, allowing you to legally practice.
In Summery:
The process in the UAE is systematic and generally considered more streamlined for foreign-trained professionals compared to some Western countries, partly due to the high demand for healthcare professionals. However, it still requires diligent preparation, accurate documentation, and patience.
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