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A medical license from the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) is a must for dentists who want to practice in Dubai, as per UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 2015, which ensures that only qualified individuals are licensed to provide dental care. The Dubai Health Authority does its best to improve oral health care throughout the emirate. For this reason, it is engaging both the public and private sectors. For instance, in 2024, the DHA signed an MoU with Dr. Joy Dental Clinic to welcome private sector students in Dubai in the upcoming academic year with a productive dental health campaign.
To qualify for the dentist quota, you must meet DHA’s eligibility criteria. This includes having a recognized dental degree and at least two years of clinical experience after graduation. Along with this, passing the DHA exam is a must, unless you’re licensed by a recognized authority like the American Board or the UK’s General Dental Council.
After checking your eligibility through DHA’s self-assessment tool, you can move forward with the licensing process. The 1st step is to submit your application on the DHA online portal. Make sure to include your degree certificate, proof of clinical experience, and a copy of your passport.
Once the application process is done, you must also complete a health assessment and undergo a background check. To get a final printable license, it takes, on average, between 30 to 60 working days if everything is done correctly. However, delays occur if your documents are not pre-organized and attested because the check alone takes 15 to 25 days.
Along with this, the cost associated varies based on the type of license you choose and the consultancy firm you contact. However, the average cost, as per Felix Happich’s Consultancy team, is somewhere between AED 4500 and AED 6000.
When the application is approved, you must pass the DHA exam to confirm your competency in dental practice. The DHA exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of dental procedures, patient care, and ethics. It ensures that only qualified individuals are licensed.
Once licensed, you have to renew your license yearly. The renewal process involves submitting updated documentation, completing continuous professional development (CPD) hours, and paying the renewal fee. You have to ensure that you meet the CPD requirements to maintain your license.
What are the eligibility criteria for dentists to obtain a DHA medical license in Dubai?
The eligibility criteria for dentists to obtain a DHA medical license in Dubai include a recognized dental degree, experience, internship, and passing a DHA Prometric exam. The purpose is to only allow desirable candidates to the actual licensing process. The main eligibility check as per the PQR from DHA is provided below:
- You need a recognized qualification of having a BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- You must have a 1-year internship with a minimum of 2 years post-internship clinical experience, except Tier 1 or Tier 2, which require no experience.
- Valid Good Standing Certificate (GSC) issued within the last 6 months.
- Must pass the DHA exam unless exempt through recognized foreign certifications.
What are the DHA license requirements for dentists in Dubai?
The requirements for a Dentist to get a DHA Medical License include meeting specific educational and professional criteria, passing the DHA exam, and providing PSV verification. This process ensures that only qualified and competent dental professionals are authorized to practice in the city, maintaining high standards of care in the healthcare sector. The main requirements are:
- Educational Degree
- Internship Completion
- Clinical Experience (as per title and tier)
- Valid License
- Good Standing Certificate
- PSV Completion
- Exam Pass/Exemption
The details of each section are provided below.
- Educational Degree
To practice as a licensed dentist in Dubai, holding a recognized degree such as BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent from an accredited dental school is mandatory. DHA verifies these credentials to ensure alignment with national education standards and proves the competence of the candidate for dental roles. Below are the eligible degrees for a Dental License in Dubai.
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
- DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
- Or an equivalent from a nationally accredited dental school
- Internship Completion
Completing a 12-month dental internship after graduation is essential. This supervised clinical phase builds practical skills. Internship records must be formal and verified. However, if you haven’t done an internship, then you have to gain additional experience.
- 12-month internship post-graduation
- If no internship is available, an additional 2 years of experience is required.
- Clinical Experience (as per title and tier)
Clinical experience varies by type of license and the residence of the qualification tier. General dentists need at least two years post-internship. Specialists and consultants follow tiered timelines—Tier 1 and 2 may skip experience. Tier 3 demands longer post-qualification practice. Below is the required experience based on the official PQR of the DHA.
| Intern | None |
| Resident | Internship + Residency standards |
| General Dentist | Internship + 2 years of clinical experience |
| Specialist (Tier 1 & 2) | No experience required if within 2 years |
| Specialist (Tier 3) | 3 years for non-UAE; 1 year for UAE nationals |
| Consultant (Tier 1) | 2–5 years, depending on tier and nationality |
- Valid License
Dentists must hold a valid license or registration from their home or last working country. This step confirms that the applicant practiced dentistry under formal oversight and proves active, lawful clinical practice.
- Licensed from the home country and/or the last employment country
- The license should cover the entire period of claimed experience
- Good Standing Certificate
A valid GSC confirms ethical, legal practice. It proves there are no bans, misconduct, or pending cases. The certificate must be issued within the last six months.
- Issued by the last employer or authority
- Valid and not older than 6 months
- Must cover the required period of clinical experience
- PSV Completion
PSV authenticates all documents from the original issuers. This includes degrees, experience, and licenses. It ensures licensing applicants have a complete set of educational and qualification documents to support a highly standardized oral healthcare system in Dubai.
- Educational degrees
- Clinical experience
- Licenses
- Any other supporting documents
- Exam Pass/Exemption
Passing the licensing exam is a core requirement, unless qualified for exemption. Exemptions apply to dentists with specific qualifications from countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand may be exempt. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that a dentist has clinical knowledge that meets UAE standards. It finalizes professional eligibility.
What are the types of DHA medical licenses for dentists?
The types of DHA medical licenses for dentists include General Dentist, Specialist Dentist, Consultant Dentist, Dental Intern, and Dental Resident. General Dentists need a BDS/DDS/DMD plus two years of experience. Specialists require recognized postgraduate qualifications; consultants need Tier 1/2 credentials with added experience. Interns are supervised by fresh graduates, while residents are in specialty training. DHA assesses eligibility by matching qualifications and tiers. Below are the main types of licenses for dentists in Dubai.
- General Dentist
- Specialist Dentist
- Consultant Dentist
- Dental Intern
- Dental Resident
What is the process for obtaining a DHA medical license as a dentist in Dubai?
Getting a DHA license as a dentist in Dubai takes time, effort, and patience. It’s not just about passing an exam. You need to start with a self-assessment. It’s a quick check on DHA’s portal. You enter your details and find out if your qualifications match what DHA expects.
After the eligibility check, you’ll need your degree, your internship proof, your work history, and a clean record. DHA asks for a Good Standing Certificate, too, which goes through DataFlow. That’s a global check that confirms your documents are real, not made up or faked.
Then comes the DHA Prometric exam. It’s a computer-based test that covers real dental knowledge. After passing that, you have to upload all results back to the DHA Sheryan portal. Finally, pay the fees and get your license. Below are the main steps to get a dentist license from the DHA in Dubai.
- Register on the DHA Sheryan portal.
- Upload documents: passport, qualification, GSC, CV, etc.
- Submit for Primary Source Verification (PSV)
- Apply for the DHA exam or request an exemption if eligible.
- Pass credentialing assessment (experience, documents, PSV)
- Receive Eligibility Letter
- Get employment in a DHA-approved facility.
- Apply for license activation through the employer.
- DHA license issued (linked to sponsoring facility).
How much time is required for a dentist to obtain a DHA medical license?
The time required for a dentist to obtain a DHA medical license is between 4–8 weeks (30 to 60 working days) if everything is done right. However, if you failed to pass the exam or haven’t provided the required experience, then it will take longer than expected. Below is the time breakdown of the main events during the process.
- Document Preparation: 1–2 weeks
- PSV (DataFlow): 3–4 weeks
- Exam Scheduling + Result: 2–3 weeks
- Credentialing & License Activation: 1–2 weeks
How much does it cost for a dentist to obtain a DHA medical license?
The cost for a dentist to secure a DHA medical license in Dubai typically ranges from AED 4,500 to AED 5,000 for general dentists, and AED 6,000 to AED 10,000 for specialists and consultants. These fees differ based on the dental specialty, document verification requirements, and the applicant’s country of origin. Below is a cost overview for various steps of the Dubai dental license process:
Estimated Total Cost: AED 4,500 – AED 6,000
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 225 |
| PSV (Primary Source Verification) | 935 |
| DHA Exam | 500 – 1,000 |
| License Activation | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Other Costs (Attestation, Translation, etc.) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
What is the validity period of a DHA medical license for a dentist?
The validity period of a DHA medical license for a dentist is 1 year (365 days), which must be renewed at least 3 months before expiry as per the DHA official portal. You will be fined every month if it passes the expiry date, and Failure to renew within 6 months after expiry leads to license cancellation. License renewal requires CME credits (40 per year for dentists).
What are the limitations for a dentist to obtain a DHA medical license?
The limitations for a dentist to obtain a DHA medical license are the Prometric exam, clinical experience, and practice gap. A dentist can only appear in the Prometric exam 3 times, after which they have to apply to another exam from other healthcare authorities, such as MOHAP or DOH, as a final attempt to work in the UAE, after which they will not be allowed to work there. Below are the 4 main limitations for dentists while getting a DHA Medical license.
- Experience in non-clinical roles (e.g., sales) is not counted.
- A maximum of 3 exam attempts across authorities
- GSC must be valid and under 6 months at the time of application
- Gaps in practice over 2 years require additional CME/clinical training; over 5 years generally disqualify non-UAE applicants.
Can a dentist with a DHA license work in other emirates?
No, a dentist with a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license can not work in other emirates without having a license from the local health authority of that emirate.. For instance, you need to obtain a license from the DOH if you want to work in the emirates like Abu Dhabi. However, you don’t need to retake exams in each emirate; you will need to go through the licensing process only for each authority.
What are the reasons for the rejection of a dentist’s DHA license in Dubai?
The reasons for the rejection of a dentist’s DHA license in Dubai include incomplete or incorrect documentation, failing the Primary Source Verification (PSV), having a degree from an unrecognized institution, or insufficient work experience. Along with this, issues like a criminal record or failure to pass the DHA exam also result in rejection. Six of the main reasons for rejection when applying for a dentist license in Dubai are:
- Failing the DHA exam
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Not meeting the required experience or qualification criteria
- Overlooking PSV requirements
- Misunderstanding the correct license type or title
- Failing to disclose previous exam attempts
What is the process for a dentist disqualified from obtaining a DHA medical license?
The process for a dentist with a disqualification would be based on the notice he/she received from the DHA. The notice explains why the application was rejected and identifies the issues. These issues could be incorrect documentation to failure in the Primary Source Verification (PSV) and DHA exam.
Based on the issue, the solution varies because, in many cases, the DHA offers the dentist a chance to correct the problem. For example, if there’s an issue with missing paperwork or an unclear qualification, the dentist may be given time to submit the required documents.
However, if the issue is more complex, like failing the DHA exam three times, then the dentist needs to take additional steps. This could include giving exams for another health authority (e.g., DOH, MOHAP). By addressing the highlighted issues head-on and following the proper procedures, they will get approved.
Expert consultation for a dentist to obtain a DHA medical license
When applying for a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) medical license, consulting with a DHA expert can be a valuable step to ensure a smoother and faster licensing process. For dentists who are unsure about the process, experts at Felix Happich Consultancy offer targeted licensing support to streamline the procedure. Our team will assist you with the below to help you save time and effort:
- Assist with documentation
- Prepare for the exam
- Resolve credential issues
- Save time and prevent costly mistakes
Finally, if issues arise, we will help you resolve them quickly. If documentation is rejected or an application is delayed, our team will address the problem and provide you with the best possible solution.
