Question 1

What is the DOH Abu Dhabi dental licence and who needs it?

Accepted Answer

The DOH (Department of Health) Abu Dhabi dental licence, formerly known as the HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) licence, is the mandatory authorisation for dentists to practise in DOH-licensed facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. All internationally trained dentists who wish to work in Abu Dhabi must obtain a DOH dental licence through the Sheryan portal.

Question 2

Is the HAAD dental licence the same as the DOH dental licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) was rebranded as DOH (Department of Health) Abu Dhabi in 2017. The licensing process, portal (Sheryan), and examination (DOH Prometric) remain the same. The licence is now officially called the DOH Abu Dhabi dental licence. The two names are used interchangeably and refer to the same authority.

Question 3

How can an international dentist get a DOH Abu Dhabi dental licence?

Accepted Answer

International dentists obtain a DOH Abu Dhabi dental licence by submitting documents for DataFlow primary source verification (PSV), applying through the Sheryan portal, meeting the DOH Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), and passing the DOH Abu Dhabi Prometric dental examination. Employment with a DOH-licensed healthcare facility is required to activate the licence.

Question 4

What is the DOH Abu Dhabi Prometric dental exam?

Accepted Answer

The DOH Abu Dhabi Prometric dental exam is a computer-based multiple-choice examination testing clinical and theoretical dental knowledge against DOH standards. It is required for most internationally trained dentists applying for a DOH dental licence. Certain recognised specialist qualifications may carry an exemption — eligibility is assessed as part of the DOH PQR review.

Question 5

What is DataFlow verification for DOH Abu Dhabi dental registration?

Accepted Answer

DataFlow PSV is mandatory for all DOH Abu Dhabi dental applications. DataFlow contacts your dental university, home country dental council, and previous employers to verify that your degree, licence, and experience certificates are authentic. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks and runs concurrently with the DOH application review.

Question 6

What documents are required for a DOH Abu Dhabi dental licence application?

Accepted Answer

Required documents include a valid passport, passport-size photographs, dental degree certificate, academic transcripts, internship completion certificate, home country dental licence, certificate of good standing (within 3 months), experience certificates, English language results (IELTS 6.0 or OET Grade C), DataFlow PSV documents, police clearance certificate, medical fitness certificate, and updated CV.

Question 7

What is the IELTS or OET requirement for DOH Abu Dhabi dental registration?

Accepted Answer

The DOH Abu Dhabi does not mandate a specific IELTS or OET score for dental licensing. However, English proficiency is essential as the DOH Prometric exam is conducted entirely in English. Many DOH-licensed Abu Dhabi employers set their own English language requirements. IELTS Academic 6.0 or OET Grade C is the commonly recommended standard.

Question 8

What is the difference between DHA and DOH dental licences in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

DHA licenses dentists to practise in Dubai; DOH Abu Dhabi licenses dentists to practise in Abu Dhabi. Both are separate UAE health authorities and each requires its own licence. The process is similar — both require DataFlow PSV and a Prometric exam — but the applications, portals (both use Sheryan), and PQR requirements are managed independently.

Question 9

How long does DOH Abu Dhabi dental registration take for international dentists?

Accepted Answer

From submitting a complete application, the DOH eligibility decision typically takes 4–8 weeks. DataFlow PSV takes 4–8 weeks concurrently. The end-to-end process from document submission to DOH licence activation — including the Prometric exam — generally takes 3–5 months when documents are complete and correctly prepared.

Question 10

What does MCDI's DOH Abu Dhabi (HAAD) documentation assistance include?

Accepted Answer

MCDI's DOH documentation assistance covers eligibility review against DOH PQR, preparation and review of all required documents, DataFlow PSV guidance, Sheryan portal application support, and step-by-step guidance through the DOH Abu Dhabi dental licensing process. MCDI also offers a DOH/HAAD dental exam preparation course. All licensing decisions rest with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi.

Question 11

Can a BDS graduate from India apply for a DOH Abu Dhabi (HAAD) dental licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BDS graduates from India are eligible to apply for a DOH Abu Dhabi dental licence. Your Indian BDS degree from an MCI/DCI-recognised dental college is accepted, subject to meeting the DOH Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) for your year and university of graduation. Most Indian BDS graduates require post-graduation experience and must pass the DOH Abu Dhabi Prometric dental exam. MCDI specialises in helping Indian BDS graduates with the complete DOH Abu Dhabi dental licensing documentation process.