DHA Licensing for Dentists: Overview

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates all healthcare professionals and facilities in the Emirate of Dubai. Applications run through the Sheryan portal, and a DHA license is valid only within Dubai.

If you are a dentist planning to work in Dubai, this guide covers exactly what a DHA license requires — from eligibility and documents through DataFlow, the exam, and activation. For the broader process, see our DHA licensing guide.

We license & place dentists across the UAE
Health Bridge handles DHA licensing end-to-end and, unlike licensing-only consultancies, we also place you in a role through our recruitment arm. Check your eligibility for a free assessment.

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a DHA license, dentists generally need:

  • a recognized dental degree (BDS/DDS), plus a postgraduate qualification for specialists
  • a minimum of 2 years post-qualification clinical experience (more for specialists such as orthodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons)
  • a valid home-country dental registration and a Certificate of Good Standing dated within 6 months
  • DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV) of all credentials
  • The DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams)

Step-by-Step DHA Process

Step 1: Eligibility check & documents (1–2 weeks)

Confirm you meet DHA requirements and gather your degree, postgraduate certificates, experience letters, good standing certificate and passport. We review your profile free of charge.

Step 2: Portal application (1–3 days)

Register and submit through Sheryan (sheryan.dha.gov.ae), uploading documents in the required formats and paying the application fee.

Step 3: DataFlow Primary Source Verification (3–6 weeks)

DHA requires DataFlow PSV to verify your credentials. This is usually the longest step. DataFlow Verification Guide explains how to prevent the rejections that cost weeks.

Step 4: DHA Prometric exam (2–4 weeks, prep + exam)

Book and sit the DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams). You can prepare while DataFlow runs in parallel.

Step 5: Review & license activation (2–4 weeks)

DHA reviews your complete file. On approval, your license is issued through Sheryan and activated once you are assigned to a licensed facility in Dubai.

DataFlow for Dentists

Every DHA application requires DataFlow PSV, which verifies your credentials directly with the issuing institutions. The most common cause of delay is a mismatch between your passport name and your certificates — resolve any name differences before you submit. Our DataFlow Verification Guide walks through the full document list and country-specific timelines.

The DHA Exam

The DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams) covers general dentistry plus your specialty area (e.g. orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery). Exam exemptions follow the UAE unified PQR rules; holders of certain US board certifications, UK CCTs or Australian/NZ fellowships may qualify on a case-by-case basis.

DHA Fees for Dentists

DHA application and license fees vary by profession and are paid through the Sheryan portal; confirm current figures there before applying. Budget separately for DataFlow PSV (commonly around AED 1,000–2,000 depending on documents). For a full breakdown across all UAE authorities, see our cost & fees guide.

What Dentists Earn in the UAE

Dentists in the UAE typically earn AED 15,000–30,000/month for general dentists, rising to AED 30,000–60,000+ for specialists, tax-free. Packages usually add housing or a housing allowance, annual flights home, and health insurance. See our UAE healthcare salary guide for full ranges by emirate and seniority.

Dentists: Other UAE Authorities

DHA covers the Emirate of Dubai. If you are open to other emirates, dentists can also license with:

Health Bridge handles DHA licensing across every professional category:

Ready to start your DHA license as a dentist? Reach out to our team for a free eligibility assessment. We handle the licensing and connect you with the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for quick answers? Browse below or explore our Knowledge Hub FAQ and Industry Glossary.

Dentists applying for a DHA license need a recognized dental degree (BDS/DDS), plus a postgraduate qualification for specialists, a minimum of 2 years post-qualification clinical experience (more for specialists such as orthodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons), a valid home-country dental registration and a Certificate of Good Standing dated within 6 months, DataFlow Primary Source Verification, and the DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams).
Typically 8–16 weeks. DataFlow PSV is usually the longest step (commonly 3–6 weeks). Running DataFlow and exam preparation in parallel shortens the overall timeline.
DHA application and license fees vary by profession and are paid through the Sheryan portal; confirm current figures there before applying.
Most dentists take the DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams). Exam exemptions follow the UAE unified PQR rules; holders of certain US board certifications, UK CCTs or Australian/NZ fellowships may qualify on a case-by-case basis.
You apply separately to each authority, but your DataFlow PSV results carry over between DHA, DOH, MOHAP and SHA — saving the verification fee and several weeks when you add or transfer a license.