General Dentist

Gulf Exam Pathways for Indian BDS/MDS Dentists (as of July 2025)

Requirements and regulations are subject to change It’s advisable to verify current requirements directly with respective country authorities before beginning the licensing process.

Additionally, consider factors such as cost of living, cultural adaptation, and visa requirements when choosing a destination country.

Current Trends

  • Increasing focus on “Arabisation” affecting job availability
  • Higher competition for general dental positions
  • Strong preference for specialized qualifications (MDS)  – esthetics & laser & implants also

Market Demand and Competition

  • Most competitive: Dubai (highest number of candidates)
  • Least saturated: Oman
  • Better opportunities for MDS holders compared to BDS graduates

    DHA
    Country Dubai UAE
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) BDS (+2) / MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode Prometric
    Any specific points to note
    Country Abu Dhabi UAE
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) BDS (+2) / MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode Pearson Vue
    Any specific points to note MDS: DOH Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implant privilege is an Oral Exam
    Country Sharjah & Northern Emirates, UAE
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) BDS (+2) / MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode BDS: Prometric;
    MDS: Oral +/- Prometric
    Any specific points to note MDS: Its either an oral exam only or Oral + Prometric exam for MDS – depending upon your paperwork submitted & according to the discretion of the MOHAP Authorities.
    Country Qatar
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) BDS (+2) / MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode Prometric
    Any specific points to note MDS : Recently introduced MDS Prometric exams since 26th June 2024 – before that no exams for MDS
    Country Oman
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) BDS (+10) / MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode Pearson Vue + Oral Exam
    Any specific points to note BDS : OMSB General Dentistry eligibility changed to 10 years clinical experience to Since November 2024
    MDS: OMSB Specialist Dentist exams are on hold since February 2024 – OMSB unofficially says that if you have cleared any other ministry theory exam within last 6 months, then you can apply for OMSB dataflow + Oral exam – still not confirmed, nor official.
    Country Kuwait
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) BDS (+6) / MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode BDS – Prometric; MDS - Oral
    Any specific points to note Employer applies for paperwork on your behalf & pays for it – so first find an employer.
    Country Saudi
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) MDS (+1)
    Exam Mode Prometric
    Any specific points to note BDS : Saudi doesn’t accept Indian & Pakistani BDS degrees with 4 years course + 1 year internship
    Country Bahrain
    Who Can Apply (+years of experience required) MDS (+3)
    Exam Mode Prometric
    Any specific points to note BDS: General dentistry positions restricted to Bahrain nationals since July 2021

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