Your essential guide to passing the Department of Health Licensing Exam for General Dentistry, managed by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DOH). Designed for general dentists aiming to practice in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, this page provides the latest 2025 exam insights, eligibility, and preparation strategies.
3 hours (180 minutes)
150 MCQs
60%
Approximately 100 AED (exam only) + Dataflow costs (~1,000 AED)
The Department of Health (DOH) Licensing Exam for General Dentistry, previously known as the HAAD exam, is a mandatory assessment for dentists seeking to practice in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, UAE. Administered by the DOH Abu Dhabi and delivered via Pearson VUE since 2023, this computer-based test evaluates clinical dental skills, foundational sciences, and adherence to local healthcare standards. Passing the exam grants eligibility to apply for a professional license, enabling practice in Abu Dhabi’s private or government dental sectors in 2025.
UAE nationals and UAE university graduates may be exempt from post-internship experience requirements per DOH PQR. Applications begin with Dataflow verification via TAMM, followed by exam scheduling through Pearson VUE.
The DOH exam has distinct characteristics tailored to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare needs. Here’s what sets it apart:
License valid only for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, not transferable without conversion.
Requires 60% aggregate and 60% in key domains (e.g., Restorative, Surgery).
Scores emailed within 24-48 hours via Pearson VUE.
The DOH exam assesses a wide range of dental knowledge, with a strong clinical focus. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
Core clinical competencies for general dentistry, with a focus on high-yield areas like restorative and surgical skills.
Foundational knowledge supporting clinical practice, typically 5-10% of the exam.
Regulatory and ethical standards specific to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.
Effective preparation is crucial to passing the DOH exam. Use these expert strategies:
Focus 70% of study time on restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics, which dominate the exam.
Solve 2,000+ single-best-answer questions to master the DOH exam format and pacing.
Review Abu Dhabi-specific regulations and ethics via doh.gov.ae or prep materials.
Take 3-5 timed mock exams (150 questions, 3 hours) to build confidence and time management.
Pearson VUE Testing Centers globally (e.g., UAE, India, USA, Philippines)
English
3 attempts (additional attempts require higher title application)
2 years (for job search post-exam)
Results are emailed within 24-48 hours via Pearson VUE. After three failed attempts, candidates must apply for a specialist title exam. Non-UAE nationals with a practice gap over 5 years are ineligible.
Unlock your Abu Dhabi dental career with our curated DOH question bank, Pearson VUE-style mock exams, and expert resources tailored for general dentists.