How to become a dentist in UAE from India (2026): DHA route, fees & timeline
BDS (India) to DHA-licensed general dentist in Dubai
Core licensing costs are roughly AED 2,000 for 2026 (PSV AED 1,235 + credentialing AED 200 + Prometric exam ~AED 500), before English tests, attestation and travel. Cheapest and fastest of the four corridors.
1. Confirm eligibility & open a Sheryan account
General dentists typically need BDS + DCI registration + around 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience (verify the current experience rule in the DHA self-assessment tool - internship counting varies). All applications run through the DHA Sheryan portal; the self-assessment itself is free.
- BDS degree certificate + transcripts
- DCI / state council registration
- Internship completion certificate
- Experience certificates (clinic letterheads, dates, scope)
- Passport + photo
2. DataFlow primary source verification (PSV)
Your degree, registration and experience certificates are verified at source by DataFlow. AED 1,235 for dentists (2026). Start early - PSV is usually the slowest step (30-60 days) and any document mismatch stalls it.
DataFlow PSV - dentist (2026): AED 1,235
- All stage-1 documents, scanned exactly as issued
3. Sheryan application & credentialing
Submit the licensure application on Sheryan with your PSV report. Credentialing fee AED 200 (2026). Manual assessment (non-standard qualifications) can add time and cost.
DHA credentialing fee (2026): AED 200
4. Pass the DHA Prometric exam
Computer-based MCQ exam for general dentists at a Prometric centre (available in India). Indicative fee ~AED 500 (2026; some sources quote USD 280). Clinical dentistry weighted heavily - see the Prep tab's DHA mode in the AI coach for practice.
DHA Prometric exam - dentist (2026, indicative): AED 500
5. Eligibility letter → find your Dubai job
Passing gives you an eligibility letter (valid for a limited period - check current validity). You now job-hunt as a DHA-eligible dentist; DentalSync's UAE listings flag DHA-eligible vacancies.
- DHA eligibility letter
6. Activate the license with your employer
Your hiring facility sponsors the visa and activates your DHA license (malpractice insurance required; activation fees usually borne by the employer - confirm in your offer).
- Job offer
- Malpractice insurance
- Medical fitness + Emirates ID (employer-led)
Track this pathway free on DentalSync →
Fees and rules change — always confirm on the regulator links above. DentalSync re-verifies this page's facts periodically (last: 2026-07-06).