Who Can Practice Dentistry in the UAE?
To work as a dentist in the UAE after BDS (India), you must obtain a professional license from a UAE health authority. The major licensing authorities are:
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DHA — Dubai Health Authority (for Dubai)
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MOHAP / MOH — Ministry of Health and Prevention (northern emirates)
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DOH — Department of Health (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain)
Each authority has similar core requirements but specific exam formats and processes.
Basic Requirements Before Licensing
To be eligible for the licensing exam you generally need:
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A recognised dental degree (BDS) from an accredited institution.
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Completion of a 1-year internship after graduation.
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Minimum clinical experience — typically 2 years for a general dentist after internship.
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A valid license or registration from India or the country of last employment.
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A Good Standing Certificate confirming ethical practice (issued within the last 6 months).
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Language proficiency in English (Arabic is a bonus in some emirates).
Licensure Exams and Timeline
Licensing requires passing an exam specific to the authority where you want to practice:
DHA (Dubai Health Authority)
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Format: Computer-based test (~150 MCQs).
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Passing Score: Typically ~60–65%.
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Validity: Exam result is valid for ~5 years; eligibility letter valid for 1 year.
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Timeline: Documentation and Primary Source Verification (PSV) take ~4–6 weeks before scheduling the exam.
MOHAP / MOH (Northern Emirates)
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Similar structure with 150 MCQs; passing score ~60%.
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Can be attempted at Prometric centres (even in India for MOH).
DOH (Abu Dhabi)
- 150 MCQs with a ~65% pass mark; license is valid for 2 years.
You may have three attempts across authorities for licensing exams; failure beyond this may require specialty training or additional qualifications to reapply.
Documents and Cost Overview
Required documents usually include:
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Degree certificate & transcripts
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Internship completion certificate
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Experience letters
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Passport copy
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Good Standing Certificate
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PSV/DataFlow verification of all credentials
Typical costs:
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Document verification (PSV): ~AED 900–1000
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Exam fees: ~AED 1000–1080
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License issuance & activation: ~AED 1000–3000
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Additional attestation/translation: varies (~AED 500-1000)
Residency / Master’s Pathways
The UAE has approved residency and postgraduate clinical programs that lead to specialist titles. To enter such programs:
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You typically need a relevant clinical Master’s or accredited residency (minimum 2–3 years).
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Admission is competitive and may require prior clinical experience and passing certain exams.
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Successful completion can allow progression to specialist roles and expanded privileges.
Experience and Career Prospects
Most authorities require recent clinical work with no significant gaps. Good communication and up-to-date clinical skills are important in UAE job markets. Salaries vary widely by emirate, sector, and experience, but licensed dentists often earn competitive tax-free incomes.
Bottom Line: With proper documentation, verified experience, and dedicated exam preparation, Indian BDS graduates can successfully pursue a dental career in the UAE — whether in general practice, postgraduate training, or specialist pathways. The process is structured, but systematic planning and early preparation make it achievable.
MBH/PS