Are you a qualified dental professional dreaming of a rewarding career in Dubai? The first and most crucial step is obtaining a license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This license is your golden ticket to working in top-tier hospitals and dental clinics across the city.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the entire DHA licensing process for Dental Assistants into simple, manageable steps, from checking your eligibility to activating your license.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin, you must ensure you meet the DHA’s requirements. The eligibility for a Dental Assistant license depends on your qualification and experience:
For Qualified Dentists (DDS, DMD, BDS):
Experience: No experience is required if you are a recent graduate (within the last 2 years). If your graduation was more than 2 years ago, you must show 2 years of relevant experience.
For Diploma Holders in Dental Assisting/Nursing/Hygiene:
Qualification: A minimum two-year diploma is required.
Experience: No experience is needed for recent graduates. However, if there’s a gap of more than two years since your graduation, you’ll need to provide 2 years of experience.
For Nurses (B.Sc or Diploma in Nursing):
Qualification: A Bachelor’s or Diploma in Nursing.
Experience: You need a minimum of six (6) months of experience in the field (as a nurse or in a dental clinic) to upgrade your title to Dental Assistant.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Prepare clear, scanned copies of the following documents:
Step 3: DHA Sheryan Portal & Self-Assessment
Visit the DHA Sheryan portal to create an account. You will need to complete a self-assessment to confirm your eligibility before proceeding. The application fee for this initial stage is 220 AED.
Dataflow is a mandatory Primary Source Verification (PSV) process. They will verify the authenticity of your:
Education Certificates
Experience Letters
License/Registration
Good Standing Certificate
Important Dataflow Tips:
Cost: The fee is approximately 1100 AED, but can vary based on the number of documents.
Facility Status: Ensure the hospitals or clinics listed in your experience letters are still operational. If a facility is closed, your report may be marked “Unable to Verify,” halting your application.
Proof: Keep evidence like bank statements or salary slips as supplementary proof of employment.
Honesty is Key:Never submit fake documents. A negative Dataflow report will lead to a permanent ban from working in the healthcare sector across all Gulf countries.
Once you pass the Prometric exam and your Dataflow report is positive, the DHA will issue an Eligibility Letter. This letter is valid for one year and is essential for your job search.
Step 7: Find a Job in Dubai
With your eligibility letter in hand, you can start applying for jobs.
Where to Look: Government Hospitals, Private Hospitals, and Dental Clinics.
How to Apply: Use platforms like LinkedIn, hospital career pages, or direct email to HR departments.
Salary Range: The average salary for a Dental Assistant in Dubai ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 AED per month, depending on the facility and your experience.
Step 8: License Activation & Visa Process
Once you receive a job offer, your employer will handle the final steps:
License Activation: Your employer will activate your DHA license. The fee is 1,020 AED, which is usually paid by the employer.
Employment Visa: Your employer will process your employment visa. You will need to undergo a medical screening in the UAE.
Emirates ID: After your visa is stamped, you must apply for an Emirates ID, which is mandatory for all residents.
