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Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Eligibility Comparison – GCC Specialist Dentist - Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Basic educational Requirement is Postgraduate specialization in Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – To be accepted as a specialist, your dental specialty certificate must come from one of the following full-time programs:
- A 3-year clinical residency
- A 2-year clinical master’s degree MDS / M.Sc
- A 3-year clinical Ph.D. (PhD or research-only degrees without clinical training do not qualify as specialty credentials – QCHP does not accept research based degrees.)
- UK: Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (C.C.S.T.) + listing in the UK Dental Council Specialist Register.
- Australia: Doctor of Clinical Dentistry or recognized specialty certification (3+ years)
- Canada: Fellowship of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada or equivalent specialty program
- Arab Board: Prosthodontics Board Certification (3+ years clinical training) recognized in GCC
Many GCC countries have licensing exemptions or streamlined processes for graduates from certain approved countries/universities (e.g., Australia, UK, Canada, USA, EU countries. ).
English language proficiency tests typically are not mandatory but may be required indirectly as part of exam preparation.
Experience requirements differ based on nationality and country of degree as follows : –
| Authority | Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| DHA – Dubai |
Varies by nationality Tier 3:
DHA Gap in practice requirements:
DHA : Training requirements based on gap duration:
|
| MOHAP – UAE |
Varies by nationality Tier 3:
|
| DOH – Abu Dhabi |
Varies by nationality Tier 3:
|
| NHRA – Bahrain | 3 years clinical experience |
| SCFHS – Saudi |
Foreigners: 5 years Resident : < 2 years of clinical experience after post graduation Registrar : > 2 years of experience after post graduation Senior registrar : additional training or fellowship beyond registrar level. + 5 or more years of post-specialty clinical experience. |
| QCHP – Qatar | GCC graduates with Arab Board – No experience needed Non-GCC Arab graduates with Arab Board – 2 years' experience required Asian graduates – 3 years' experience required |
Salary Comparison – GCC Specialist Dentist - Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Here is a salary comparison for Specialist Dentist – Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery across Gulf health authorities based on LinkedIn, Indeed.ae, Payscale, and other job portals:
DHA – Dubai
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | AED 15,000 – AED 75,000 (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Avg. annual salary ~AED 200,000 – 996,900 (approx. $117,000 – $353,000) (Payscale 2025); Dubai shows a wide range from AED 15,000 to AED 75,000 monthly depending on experience , add on degree and institution/ clinic/ hospital. Private corporate hospitals often pay more. OMFS in Dubai can earn up higher especially with 15+ years of experience, especially with trauma and implant experience, including bonuses and allowances Dubai also has the advantage of allowing OMFS , subject to respective training to “Add Title” of (1) Implantology privilege (2) Botox and fillers privilege Flexibility - Ability to have 1 full time license and 2 part time license Opportunity for golden visa if salary >30,000 AED monthly DHA license can be converted to MOHAP license without exam |
MOHAP – UAE
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | Similar or slightly lesser to DHA Dubai. AED 12,000 - 40,000 per month |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Reported salaries in both government and private sectors slightly lower than Dubai, median around AED 400,000; active job market noted Salaries in Sharjah and Northern Emirates are about 10–20% lower than Dubai/Abu Dhabi Flexibility - Ability to have 1 full time license and 2 part time license Opportunity for golden visa if salary >30,000 AED monthly |
DOH / HAAD Abu Dhabi
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | Similar to DHA Dubai. AED 15,000 - 60,000 per month |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Average salary about AED 799,000 ($218,000); range based on experience and employer Comparable to Dubai; competitive packages in government sector Flexibility - Ability to have 1 full time license and 2 part time license Opportunity for golden visa if salary >30,000 AED monthly |
SCFHS Saudi Arabia
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | SAR 15,000+/month minimum, up to SAR 68,000 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Avg. salary ~SAR 41,500/month; varies with experience (0–2 yrs: ~240,000 SAR, 20+ yrs: ~820,000 SAR) (approx. $64,000 – $218,000+) Based on standard surgeon/OMFS salaries in KSA; public sector lower end, private sector corporate and senior consultants / experienced surgeons at high end; demand strong Saudi Arabia’s labor regulation imposes a minimum wage and Saudisation laws affecting salaries and hiring. |
NHRA – Bahrain
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | BHD 1500 – 2000+ |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
BHD 18,000 – 25,000 (approx. $31,000 – $40,000). Salaries vary across sectors; Salary levels similar to Kuwait, smaller private sector; public sector may pay differently . competitive overall |
QCHP Qatar
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | QAR 15,000 – 35,000 approx. |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
QAR 180,000 – 400,000 (approx. $82,000 – $110,000) Tax-free income; attractive benefits; strong demand for specialists. Salaries competitive with Oman but generally lower than UAE/KSA; specialist demand increasing |
KDLE Kuwait
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | KWD 1500 – 4,000+ |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
KWD 18,000 – 40,000 (approx. $82,000 – $110,000) Salaries differ by sector; private clinics typically pay more Salaries reported lower compared to UAE and Saudi Arabia; but demand exists |
OMSB Oman
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | OMR 1500 – 4000+ |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
OMR 18,000 – 50,000 approx. (approx. $82,000 – $110,000) Salaries lower than UAE/KSA but competitive regionally; limited public data available. |
Additional Insights:
- UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) offers the highest salaries with a wide range primarily influenced by years of experience, workplace (private vs government), and negotiation skills.
- Middle Gulf states (Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain) offer notably lower salaries, with Oman and Qatar somewhat higher than Bahrain and Kuwait but all below UAE and Saudi figures
- Salaries are tax-free in most Gulf countries, enhancing take-home pay.
- Compensation often includes benefits such as housing, transport, health insurance, and annual airfare which can add 20-40% to total remuneration. and vary by employer.
- Experience, qualifications, employer type (government vs private), and location significantly influence salary levels.
There is a consistent and rising demand for qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons due to:
- An increase in complex dental and facial trauma cases
Higher demand for corrective jaw surgeries, dental implants, and facial reconstruction
Expansion of cosmetic facial surgery services in both public and private sectors
A growing medical tourism industry, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, driving demand for advanced surgical specialties
GCC countries are making significant investments to modernize and expand healthcare services:
- New hospitals and dental surgery centers are being developed, creating more roles for oral surgeons
Government-led healthcare initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030, Dubai Health Strategy, and Oman Health Vision 2050 are increasing the need for highly trained specialists
Increased allocation of budget towards oral cancer treatment, trauma care, and craniofacial surgeries
Required Documents Checklist – GCC Specialist Dentist - Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Recent passport size photograph (colored, white background)
- Valid passport copy
- Recognized specialty qualification in Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (e.g., specialty board certification, Master's degree, or equivalent)
- Evidence of successful completion of an approved dental education program (primary dental degree)
- Valid professional license/registration to practice dentistry or Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from the country of graduation or last employment
- Certificate of Good Standing issued by the licensing authority/professional body from the country of last employment or where the applicant holds a current license (must be issued within last 6 months)
- Experience letters signed and stamped by the Medical Director or HR department confirming clinical experience relevant to the specialty
- Dentists in surgical specialties should provide Logbook(s) with sufficient procedures/ cases covering the common aspects of the specialty as a prerequisite for licensing
- Dataflow Credential verification/evaluation report - verifying degrees, licenses, and certifications
- Evidence of professional liability/malpractice insurance (required before license issuance)
- Evidence of continuing medical education (CME) or professional development activities - required for yearly license renewal
- Completed online application form via respective licensing portal linked with Primary Source Verification (PSV) and payment of applicable fees
Exam format Comparison – GCC Specialist Dentist - Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Note : Exam Transferability: Results are NOT transferable between countries/emirates
DHA – Dubai
| Exam Format | CBT – MCQs, conducted by Prometric |
|---|---|
| Exam Structure - Questions & Duration | 150 MCQs, 170 mins |
| Passing Criteria | ≥65% |
| Oral / Viva Exam | None required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | Most accessible |
| Validity of Exam Results | Exam results Valid for 5 years ; Eligibility letters are valid for one year. |
| Exam attempts allowed |
Three attempts allowed across authorities. Failure after three attempts requires: 1. Certificate of additional training in recognized specialty 2. Application for higher title only (cannot apply for same or lower title) |
| Documentation Process & Duration | Streamline, Fast (1–1.5 months) |
MOHAP – UAE
| Exam Format | CBT – MCQs, conducted by MOH followed by an Oral exam |
|---|---|
| Exam Structure - Questions & Duration | 150 MCQs, 3 hours + Oral Exam |
| Passing Criteria | ≥65% |
| Oral / Viva Exam | Required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | Oral Exam difficulty ; most intense |
| Validity of Exam Results | Valid for 5 years |
| Exam attempts allowed |
Three attempts allowed across authorities. Failure after three attempts requires: 1. Certificate of additional training in recognized specialty 2. Application for higher title only (cannot apply for same or lower title) |
| Documentation Process & Duration | Slightly longer (1.5–3 months) Slightly complex |
DOH – Abu Dhabi
| Exam Format | Oral exam |
|---|---|
| Passing Criteria | ≥70% |
| Oral / Viva Exam | Required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | Oral Exam difficulty ; most intense |
| Validity of Exam Results | Valid for 2 years. License Renewal: Every 2 years DOH Registration Validity Post-Exam: 3 months |
| Exam attempts allowed |
Three attempts allowed across authorities. Failure after three attempts requires: 1. Certificate of additional training in recognized specialty |
| Documentation Process & Duration | Slightly longer (1.5–2.5 months) Slightly complex |
NHRA – Bahrain
| Exam Format | CBT – MCQs, conducted by Prometric |
|---|---|
| Exam Structure - Questions & Duration | 150 MCQs, 3 hours |
| Passing Criteria | ≥60% |
| Oral / Viva Exam | None required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | Lower pass score requirement - hence easier. |
| Validity of Exam Results | Not specified |
| Exam attempts allowed |
Four consecutive exam attempts allowed within 3 years ; After 4 failures: 6-month retraining (Remediation) under supervision of a consultant of the same specialty. |
| Documentation Process & Duration | Slightly longer (1.5–2.5 months) Slightly complex |
SCFHS Saudi Arabia
| Exam Format | CBT – MCQs, conducted by Prometric |
|---|---|
| Exam Structure - Questions & Duration | 200 MCQs, 4 hours (2 parts of 100 Qs) |
| Passing Criteria | >65% for Registrar, >70% for Senior Registrar |
| Oral / Viva Exam | None required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | Longest exam duration, more intense |
| Validity of Exam Results | Valid for 2 years |
| Exam attempts allowed |
Three attempts allowed - after which new experience and Mumaris re- classification is needed, and then you get additional 3 attempts |
| Documentation Process & Duration | Slightly longer (1.5–3 months) Lengthy and detailed |
QCHP Qatar
| Exam Format | CBT – MCQs, conducted by Prometric |
|---|---|
| Exam Structure - Questions & Duration | 150 MCQs, 3.5 hours |
| Passing Criteria | >65% |
| Oral / Viva Exam | None required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | Accessible |
| Validity of Exam Results | Valid for 3 years |
| Exam attempts allowed |
3 attempts only, and any further attempts will not be considered by DHP/QCHP |
| Documentation Process & Duration | Streamline, Fast (1–1.5 months) |
Exam syllabus – GCC Specialist Dentist - Oral Surgery / Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- 1. Anesthesia and Pain Management
- 2. Maxillofacial Trauma
- 3. Temporomandibular Joint
- 4. Dentoalveolar, Preprosthetic and Implant Surgery
- 5. Craniofacial Surgery / Cleft Lip and Palate
- 6. Reconstruction and Cosmetic Surgery
- 7. Medicine / Medically Compromised Patients
- 8. Maxillofacial Infections
- 9. Maxillofacial Pathology
- 10. Deformities and Orthognathic Surgery
- 11. Patient Safety
- 12. Professionalism and Ethics
Books to refer – GCC Specialist Dentist - Oral Surgery & Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Recommended Reference Books are:
- Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Hupp, Ellis, and Tucker, Latest Edition, Mosby
- Handbook of Local Anesthesia – Malamed, Latest Edition, Mosby
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine – Fauci et al., Latest Edition, McGraw-Hill
- Maxillofacial Surgery, Vol. 2 – Ward-Booth, Schendel, Hausamen, Latest Edition, Elsevier
- Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office – Malamed, Latest Edition, Mosby
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Fonseca, Marciani, and Turvey, Latest Edition, WB Saunders
- Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma – Fonseca et al., Latest Edition, Elsevier Canada
- Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma (2 Volumes) – Fonseca et al., Latest Edition, Saunders
- Professionalism and Ethics, Handbook for Residents – Prof. James Ware, Dr. Abdulaziz Fahad Alkaabba, Dr. Ghaiath MA Hussein, Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule, SCFHS, Latest Edition
- Essentials of Patient Safety – SCHS, Latest Edition
- Maxillofacial Surgery, Vol. 1 – Ward-Booth, Schendel, Hausamen, Latest Edition, Elsevier
