Full guide on eligibility, requirements, and steps for dentists at every stage of their career, from internship to consultancy.
Who Can Apply?
Fresh dental graduates who have completed their dental degree but have not completed full clinical experience.
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a recognized dental degree: BDS, DMD, DDS, or equivalent
- Degree must be accredited by the country of issue; UAE graduates must have MOE/NQC accreditation
- No prior clinical experience required
- Must complete a 12-month internship post-graduation
DHA License Title
- Intern Dentist
- Resident Dentist if enrolled in a DHA-approved residency program
Documents Required
- Passport copy
- Recent passport-size photo
- Updated CV / resume
- Dental degree certificate
- Academic transcripts / mark sheets
- Internship offer letter / confirmation
- Proof of dental school accreditation (if requested)
- Emirates ID (if available)
Good Standing Certificate (if applicable)
Resident Dentist
Who Can Apply?
Dentists enrolled in a DHA-approved residency program after completing their internship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have completed dental degree (BDS/DMD/DDS or equivalent)
- Must complete internship program
- Must meet residency program requirements set by the health authority
DHA License Title
- Resident Dentist
Documents Required
- All documents listed for Intern Dentist
- Proof of acceptance into DHA-approved residency
General Dentist
Who Can Apply?
Dentists who have completed internship and wish to practice as a general dentist.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recognized dental degree (BDS, DMD, DDS, or equivalent)
- Completion of 12-month internship
- Clinical experience:
- 2 years of practice post-internship for non-UAE nationals
- No experience required for UAE graduates or UAE nationals within 3 years of internship
- 2 years of practice post-internship for non-UAE nationals
DHA License Title
- General Dentist
Documents Required
- All documents listed for Intern Dentist
Proof of completed clinical experience (if applicable)
Specialist Dentist
Who Can Apply?
Dentists with recognized specialty qualifications who want to practice in a specialty field.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recognized dental degree (BDS, DMD, DDS, or equivalent)
- Completion of recognized specialty qualification (Tier 1, 2, or 3)
- Experience requirements post-qualification:
- Tier 1 & Tier 2: UAE nationals may be exempted from experience; non-UAE nationals usually 3 years post-qualification for Tier 3 specialties
- Tier 3 qualifications may require additional clinical experience
- Tier 1 & Tier 2: UAE nationals may be exempted from experience; non-UAE nationals usually 3 years post-qualification for Tier 3 specialties
DHA License Title
- Specialist Dentist
Documents Required
- All documents listed for General Dentist
- Specialty certificate recognized by DHA
Proof of clinical experience (if applicable)
Consultant Dentist
Who Can Apply?
Highly experienced specialists with extensive post-qualification experience and leadership roles.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recognized dental degree (BDS, DMD, DDS, or equivalent)
- Recognized specialty qualification
- Extensive post-specialty experience:
- Tier 1: 2 years
- Tier 2: 5 years
- Tier 3: Usually not eligible; exceptions with additional evidence
- Tier 1: 2 years
- Demonstrated leadership roles (e.g., unit head, program director)
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals (if required)
DHA License Title
- Consultant Dentist
Documents Required
- All documents listed for Specialist Dentist
- Evidence of leadership/management roles
- Research publications (if applicable)
- Surgical logbooks (for surgical specialties)
Letters of recommendation from senior consultants and hospital management
General Licensing Steps for Dentists (All Titles)
- Dataflow Verification – Authenticate your dental degree, transcripts, and credentials via DHA-approved Dataflow process.
- Document Submission – Submit all required documents for verification.
- Eligibility Letter – DHA issues an eligibility letter confirming your qualification and category (Intern, General, Specialist, etc.).
- Prometric Exam – Take licensing exams if required by your category or specialty.
- Clinical/Practical Assessment – Some specialties may require practical evaluation.
- License Issuance – Upon passing all assessments and verification, DHA issues your official license.
- Registration with Health Facility – You may now join a hospital, clinic, or residency program under your DHA license.