What makes a dentist with 20 years of practice in Chennai pack his bags and prepare for a brand-new chapter in Dubai? Thousands of patients treated. And yet, after the pandemic, Dr. V.K. Karthikeyan felt something was missing. His work was respected, but not fully valued. His wife suggested, “Why not try abroad?” That’s when he decided it was time for a bold move to clear the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam and step into Dubai’s healthcare world.
A Turning Point
Back in 2015, he met Dr. Clifford J. Ruddle from California. A mentor. A game-changer.
“Before him, I focused only on procedures,” Dr. Karthikeyan says. “After him, I learned patient care, communication, trust, ethical pricing, everything. My practice changed completely.”
Even simple things, such as chatting with patients and building comfort, made a huge difference. He realised dentistry isn’t just a clinical skill. It’s a connection.
Why Dubai?
He initially thought about Australia. But the process there is long. Complex. Time-consuming. Dubai had a clear pathway. Pass the DHA exam, and you can practice without extra hurdles. You don’t even need any English language proficiency to invest your time in. That level of ease and clarity appealed to him.
The Preparation Journey: A Must-Read for Budding Dentists
He joined the ADC and DHA coaching programmes. First, he balanced both. Then, he focused 80% on DHA. For the last three weeks, he gave 100% to DHA preparation. No clinic, no distractions. Just studying.
“The DHA exam is practical. Scenario-based. Not memorisation. You must think like a dentist, solve real-world problems, and manage time well,” he explains. “Even small details matter.”
How Academically Global Helped in His DHA Preparation
Dr. Karthikeyan credits his success to structured support.
“The material was perfect. Condensed, focused, high-yield. Lectures, weekly tests, PPTs, literally everything in one place. Dr. Sonal and the team constantly checked my progress and updated resources. I never felt lost.”
He emphasises that preparation alone isn’t enough. Right guidance makes all the difference. Academically Global gave him that.
Crack the DHA exam on your first attempt and become a dentist in Dubai by enrolling in a structured preparation course today.
Top Tips for Future Dentists
- Plan 6–8 months for preparation.
- Treat every question carefully. Scenarios can be tricky.
- Reserve the last week for revision only. Don’t start new topics.
- Follow structured coaching to stay on track.
How does it feel when you have achieved your dream?
Today, Dr. Karthikeyan is ready to start his dental career in Dubai. He brings not only skill but experience, confidence, and a patient-centred approach.
“Every step, every practice session, expert mentorship: all of this made DHA preparation build this moment,” he says. “With effort, dedication, and the right guidance, international practice is achievable.”