National Health Regulatory Authority Licensing Exam for General Dentistry (NHRA) 2025

Your comprehensive guide to passing the National Health Regulatory Authority Licensing Exam for General Dentistry, administered by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) Bahrain. Tailored for general dentists seeking licensure in Bahrain, this page offers the latest 2025 exam details, eligibility, and preparation strategies.

Exam Duration

3 hours (180 minutes)

Total Questions

150 MCQs

Passing Score

60%

Exam Fee

Approximately 50-60 BHD (~130-160 USD, exam only) + Dataflow (~40-50 BHD)

What is the NHRA Licensing Exam for General Dentistry?

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) Licensing Exam for General Dentistry is a mandatory assessment for dentists aiming to practice in Bahrain. Administered by the NHRA and delivered via Prometric, this computer-based test evaluates clinical dental expertise, basic sciences, and Bahrain-specific healthcare standards. Passing the exam is a prerequisite for obtaining a professional license to work in Bahrain’s private clinics, hospitals, or government facilities in 2025.

NHRA Exam Eligibility Requirements for 2025

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent from a recognized institution
  • Completed 1-year internship (mandatory)
  • Minimum 3 years of clinical experience post-internship (foreign dentists)
  • Dataflow Primary Source Verification (PSV) report
  • Good standing certificate (valid within 6 months) from last licensing authority
  • Authenticated degree and experience certificates (via Bahrain MOFA or embassy)

Applications are submitted via the NHRA Mehan system (mehan.nhra.bh). After approval, candidates receive an eligibility code to book the Prometric exam. Bahraini nationals may have relaxed experience requirements per NHRA discretion.

Unique Features of the NHRA Dental Exam

The NHRA exam has distinct traits tailored to Bahrain’s healthcare system. Here’s what sets it apart:

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Bahrain-Specific License

Valid only in Bahrain; not transferable without requalification.

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Attempt Limits

4 attempts in 3 years; 6-month retraining required after 4th failure.

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Immediate Results

Score reports available instantly post-exam via Prometric.

NHRA Exam Syllabus for General Dentistry 2025

The NHRA exam tests a broad spectrum of dental knowledge, with a strong clinical focus. Below is the syllabus breakdown:

Clinical Dental Sciences

Core clinical skills for general dentistry, emphasizing practical application in Bahrain’s healthcare context.

  • Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics (25%)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (20%)
  • Periodontics (15%)
  • Prosthodontics (15%)
  • Pediatric Dentistry (10%)
  • Orthodontics (10%)

Basic Dental Sciences

Foundational knowledge supporting clinical practice, a minor but essential exam component.

  • Oral Anatomy & Histology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Dental Materials
  • Infection Control (5%)

Bahrain Healthcare Standards

Standards and ethics specific to practicing dentistry in Bahrain.

  • NHRA Regulations
  • Professional Ethics
  • Patient Safety Protocols
  • Public Health Dentistry
  • Cultural Competence

How to Prepare for the NHRA Dental Exam in 2025

Success requires a tailored approach to the NHRA format. Follow these expert tips:

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Focus on Clinical Mastery

Dedicate 70% of study time to restorative dentistry and oral surgery, which carry the heaviest weighting.

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Practice Prometric MCQs

Solve 2,000+ single-best-answer questions to align with the NHRA Prometric format.

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Study NHRA Guidelines

Review Bahrain-specific healthcare regulations via nhra.bh or prep resources.

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Simulate Exam Conditions

Complete 3-5 timed mock exams (150 questions, 3 hours) to enhance stamina and pacing.

Key NHRA Exam Details for 2025

Exam Locations

Prometric Testing Centers in Bahrain and globally (e.g., India, UAE, USA)

Language

English

Attempts Allowed

4 attempts within 3 years (additional 2 attempts post-retraining)

Validity

5 years (linked to license renewal)

After 4 failed attempts within 3 years, a 6-month retraining period is required, followed by 2 additional attempts within 2 years. Results are immediate via Prometric, and licensing proceeds via NHRA’s Mehan system.

Ready to Pass the NHRA Dental Exam in 2025?

Secure your Bahrain dental license with our expertly curated NHRA question bank, Prometric-style mock exams, and tailored resources for general dentists.