Search
People also search for:
our services:
quick contact:
were on social media:
Pediatric Dentistry
Eligibility Comparison – GCC Specialist Pediatric Dentistry
Basic educational Requirement is Postgraduate specialization in Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics —  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.ScÂ
- 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.)Â
- 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
- Â
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
DHA Gap in practice requirements:
DHA : Training requirements based on gap duration:
|
| MOHAP - UAE |
Varies by nationality
|
| DOH - Abu Dhabi |
Varies by nationality
|
| 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 Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics
Here is a salary comparison for Specialist Pediatric Dentists (Pedodontists) across Gulf health authorities based on LinkedIn, Indeed.ae, Payscale, and other job portals:
DHA Dubai
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | AED 15,000 – 40,000 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
High demand; average annual salary ~AED 600,000+; varies by experience/employer Flexibility - Ability to have 1 full time license and 2 part time license Opportunity for golden visa if salary >30,000 AED monthly |
MOHAP UAE
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | Similar to DHA Dubai |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Government salaries align with DHA; private sector may offer more 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 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Comparable to Dubai; competitive in both government and private sectors 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 – 40,000(~AED 14,600 – 39,000) |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Depends on experience/sector; private sector pays more to expats |
NHRA Bahrain
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | AED 8,000 – 20,000 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Limited data; competitive packages in both sector |
QCHP Qatar
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | AED 15,000 – 35,000 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Tax-free income; strong benefits and competitive specialist pay |
KDLE Kuwait
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | AED 10,000 – 25,000 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Salaries vary; private clinics usually offer higher pay |
OMSB Oman
| Approximate Monthly Salary Range (AED) | AED 8,000 – 18,000 |
|---|---|
| Notes / Source Details |
Lower than UAE/Saudi; includes housing and transport benefits |
Additional Insights:
Pediatric dentists in Dubai earn an average hourly rate of about AED 291 and annual salaries around AED 600,000+ depending on experience.
Salaries are tax-free in most Gulf countries, enhancing net income.
Benefits such as housing allowance, health insurance, annual airfare, and end-of-service benefits are common.
Experience, employer type (government vs private), and location significantly influence salary.
Demand for pediatric dentists in Dubai has increased by about 30% recently, reflecting in salary growth
Required Documents Checklist – GCC Specialist Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics
- Recent passport size photograph (colored, white background)
- Valid passport copy
- Recognized specialty qualification in Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics (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 orthodontics 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
- 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 Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics
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 | CBT – MCQs, conducted by Pearson Vue |
|---|---|
| Exam Structure - Questions & Duration | 100 MCQs, 120 mins |
| Passing Criteria | ≥70% |
| Oral / Viva Exam | None required |
| Practical Exam | None required |
| Ease of Exam | More competitive |
| 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
| 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 Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics
- 1. Dental Development and Anomalies
- 2. Prevention and Anticipatory Guidance
- 3. Local Anesthesia and Pain Management
- 4. Non-pharmacological Behavior Management
- 5. Pharmacological Behavior Management
- 6. Restorative Dentistry and Dental Materials
- 7. Special Healthcare Needs
- 8. Pulp Therapy
- 9. Orofacial Trauma
- 10. Oral Pathology/Medicine
- 11. Orthodontics and Space Management
- 12. Professionalism and Ethics & Patient Safety
Books to refer – GCC Specialist Pediatric Dentistry / Pedodontics
Recommended reference textbooks include:
- The Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry, 4th Edition, Arthur Nowak and Paul Casamassimo
- Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy through Adolescence, 5th Edition, Pinkham, Casamassimo, Field, McTigue, Nowak
- Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 9th Edition, McDonald, Avery, Dean
- Pediatric Dentistry, 3rd Edition, Richard Welbury
- Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (Latest Edition)
- Professionalism and Ethics, Handbook for Residents, SCFHS, Practical Guide by Prof. James Ware et al.
- Essentials of Patient Safety, SCFHS (Latest Edition)
