Are you a dentist dreaming of building your career in Dubai or the UAE? One of the biggest obstacles between you and your license is the DHA Dental Licensing Exam. Every year, thousands of dentists apply — but many fail on their first attempt due to:
- ❌ Not knowing what topics to focus on
- ❌ Using outdated study notes or PDFs
- ❌ Poor time management during the exam
- ❌ Lack of proper guidance and mock test practice
✅ The good news? With the right preparation strategy and resources, passing the DHA exam on your first attempt is absolutely possible.
📘 What is the DHA Dental Exam?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Dental Licensing Exam is a mandatory test for any dentist who wishes to practice in Dubai. It ensures all healthcare professionals meet international standards of safety and competence before treating patients in the UAE.
👩⚕️ Who is Eligible for the DHA Dental Exam?
To apply, candidates must meet the DHA eligibility requirements. These are updated periodically but generally include:
- Educational Qualification: BDS or equivalent from an accredited university.
- Professional Experience: Typically 2 years of clinical experience post-internship (internship mandatory in most cases).
- Good Standing Certificate: From your home country’s dental authority.
- DataFlow Verification: All documents (degree, license, experience) verified via Primary Source Verification (PSV).
- For Specialists: Recognized specialty degree (MDS, MSc, or equivalent) plus 2–3 years of practice post-master’s (depending on specialty).
- No nationality restrictions. Exam language: English.
📝 DHA Dental Exam Format (2025 Update)
- Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice (single best answer).
- Duration: 3 hours (~1.2 minutes per question).
- Style: Case-based, clinically oriented (patient history, findings, radiographs).
- Coverage: Endodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Pediatrics, Radiology, Operative, Ethics, Infection Control.
- Passing Score: ~60–65% (aim higher for competitive positions).
🖥️ Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create a Sheryan account via the DHA portal.
- Upload documents for initial review.
- Complete DataFlow PSV verification.
- Begin preparation with Prometric Dental Learning:
- 📚 3,000+ updated MCQs
- 📝 3 full-length Mock Tests
- 🎯 Personalized study plans & coaching
- 👉 Start here
- Schedule your exam via Prometric once approved.
- Sit for the exam fully prepared and await results.
- Receive your DHA eligibility letter.
📖 Get Familiar with the Exam Format
When it comes to DHA dental exam preparation, the first vital step is understanding exactly what to expect. You’ll face multiple-choice questions designed to test your clinical knowledge, patient care, and problem-solving skills. The exam is typically computer-based, so it helps to get comfortable with how digital tests work. If you’re familiar with Prometric Dental, MOH, or HAAD exams in the UAE, you’ll find some similarities in structure and topics. Review official guidelines or sample questions to see how they’re presented. Knowing the format reduces surprises on exam day and helps you focus purely on showcasing your expertise.
🗓️ Plan Your Study Schedule
A well-organized study plan can make or break your success. Start by breaking down the exam syllabus into manageable segments. Then, map out your calendar, setting aside specific time slots for each topic—like pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, or prosthodontics. The key is consistency. By studying a little each day rather than cramming, you’ll retain the material more effectively and reduce stress in the week leading up to the exam. Remember to keep your goals realistic. If you’re juggling a busy work schedule, shorter, focused sessions might suit you better than marathon study blocks.
📝 Practical Planning Tips
- Color-code your calendar so you immediately see which topic you’re tackling each day.
- Set mini-deadlines to cover core materials, and reward yourself when you hit these milestones.
- Don’t forget to schedule buffer days for reviewing tricky concepts or taking practice tests.
📚 Identify Essential Resources
Next, gather credible resources that cover the specific topics included in the DHA exam. This might include textbooks used in dental school, online question banks, clinical guidelines, or review courses. Brush up on comprehensive manuals that align closely with UAE standards for dentists, and consider cross-referencing with materials from MOH or HAAD, as the fundamental knowledge often overlaps. By using updated sources, you’ll keep track of the latest guidelines and procedures, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the types of questions that may arise.
✅ Types of Helpful Resources
- Official exam handbooks or guides
- Peer-reviewed journals and articles
- Online forums or communities where test-takers share tips
- Practice exams that simulate real test conditions
⏱️ Practice Under Timed Conditions
Working through practice questions is one thing, but doing so under realistic time constraints is another. Set a timer for each question set to better replicate the actual exam environment. This approach helps you build confidence in making decisions faster. Plus, it trains you to pace yourself so you can comfortably review all questions without rushing at the end. If you notice a particular subject area slowing you down, plan extra study time there.
⌛ Steps for Better Time Management
- Track how long you spend on each question.
- Use your results to adjust your strategy for quicker recall on familiar topics.
- Leave a short buffer at the end to revisit flagged questions.
💆 Stay Healthy and Stress-Free
It’s easy to forget that your physical and mental well-being play a huge part in exam success. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and setting aside downtime for hobbies or relaxation. Stress can creep up when you’re juggling exam prep with daily responsibilities, so simple activities like a walk in the park or short mindfulness sessions can be a big help. You’ll feel more alert, retain information better, and approach questions with a clearer head.
🔄 Review and Refine
As exam day nears, shift your focus toward targeted practice on any lingering weak spots. If you’ve consistently struggled with a particular specialty—say, endodontics or oral surgery—spend some extra time reviewing relevant techniques and guidelines. Revisit your notes, summaries, or any flashcards you created. Look for patterns in any areas you frequently miss during practice tests. By pinpointing those gaps and refining your knowledge, you’ll step into the exam room feeling ready to handle whatever questions come your way.
🏁 Final Takeaway
Preparation is your best friend when tackling the DHA dental exam. By understanding the format, setting a realistic study schedule, focusing on quality resources, practicing with a timer, and keeping yourself well-rested and calm, you’ll set yourself up for success. Every step you take—from sketching out that first study plan to getting a good night’s sleep on exam eve—adds up to a confident and capable performance on test day. Good luck, and remember that each small effort today brings you one step closer to achieving your goal as a licensed dentist in the UAE.
🚫 Top 10 Mistakes DHA Candidates Make
- Studying only notes (forgetting DHA is case-based).
- Ignoring basic sciences.
- Poor time management (150 Qs in 180 min needs pacing).
- Starting DataFlow late (4–6 weeks needed).
- Skipping mock tests.
- Not reviewing why wrong answers are wrong.
- Underestimating ethics & infection control.
- Overconfidence in strong subjects, neglecting weak ones.
- Last-minute cramming.
- No structured guidance or updated resources.
🎯 Final Advice
The DHA Dental Exam is challenging, but entirely passable on the first attempt with the right preparation. Build a realistic study schedule, use updated resources, and practice full-length mock exams. Remember — it’s not just about knowledge, but applying clinical reasoning to real-world dental cases.
Ready to begin? Your journey to becoming a licensed dentist in Dubai starts now. With discipline and the right tools, you’ll soon be on your way to a successful career in the UAE.
🚀 Want access to updated DHA mock tests and 3,000+ MCQs with explanations?
👉 Join Prometric Dental Learning today and start your path to success!
