Did you know… dentists in India earn just ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month despite 5 years of rigorous education, often working 8-10-hour clinic shifts with limited growth and poor work–life balance. These harsh conditions are pushing young dentists to look beyond borders for better pay, respect, and career progress.
Take inspiration from the success stories of Dr. Anushri and Dr. Rohan, shared during a tete-a-tete with global healthcare career coach Dr. Akram Ahmad and registered dentist Dr. Sonal.
This blog will explain how structured guidance, mentorship, and strategic preparation can successfully help you clear the DHA licensing exam and take a decisive step toward building a global dental career in Dubai.
Why Work Experience Matters Before the DHA Exam
One of the biggest takeaways from the interview is the importance of clinical experience. In Gulf countries, dentists typically need 2–5 years of work experience before they can practice.
Many young dentists hesitate because clinic salaries can be as low as ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month. However, Dr. Akram focused on a noticeable mindset shift:
Early experience is not about salary; it is about building eligibility, skills, and confidence for global licensing exams.
This perspective helped both candidates stay focused on their long-term goal: working abroad.
How to Balance Full-Time Dental Clinic Work and Licensing Exam Preparation
Dr. Anushri completed her BDS in Mumbai in 2023 and had a clear goal from the start, i.e., qualifying for Dubai. Her DHA preparation journey with Academically shows what real discipline looks like:
Daily Routine During Preparation
- Morning: Studying and attending recorded lectures
- Afternoon: Live classes and revision
- Evening: Clinical practice (5 PM – 8:30 PM)
Balancing full-time clinic work with exam preparation was exhausting. Yet, consistent mentoring and structured guidance helped her stay on track. As the exam approached, she made a strategic decision, taking a short break from clinic work for the final 15 days to focus fully on revision and mock tests.
That decision paid off. She cleared the DHA exam successfully.
How Structured Guidance and Consistency can Help Indian Dentists Clear DHA Exam
Dr. Rohan, also from Mumbai and from the same batch as Dr. Anushri, initially struggled to restart studying after graduation. He explained a challenge many dentists face:
- After years away from textbooks, restarting preparation feels overwhelming.
- Licensing exams abroad are very different from Indian exams.
- Without structured guidance, students don’t know what to prioritise.
With mentorship and regular doubt-solving support, he gradually regained momentum and confidence. His biggest takeaway:
Preparation becomes manageable when you know exactly what to study and how to study.
Is Dubai a Good Place to Work For Dentists?
A powerful part of the discussion focused on why many dentists consider Dubai as a career destination.
Key Reasons They Shared
1. Better Pay and Respect
Despite years of education, many dentists in India struggle to earn even ₹15,000/month. The gap between effort and reward can be discouraging.
2. Career Growth Opportunities
Even after MDS, many dentists face:
- Limited academic salaries
- High competition for private practice
- Slow professional growth
3. Proximity to India
Dubai offers international exposure while staying close to home.
4. A Strategic Stepping Stone
Working in Dubai can help dentists:
- Save money
- Gain international experience
- Prepare for future exams (Australia, UK, etc.)
Is the DHA Exam for Dentists Difficult?
DHA candidates say the exam might be difficult for you if you solely rely on theory. Around 20% questions are direct. Nearly 80% are clinical and scenario-based. The questions test clinical reasoning, not rote learning. If you have a more practical-based approach, then this is definitely going to be easy for you.
Key Subjects to Focus On
They noticed strong emphasis on:
- Oral pathology
- Oral medicine
- Clinical diagnosis
- Case-based scenarios
- Image-based questions
The Role of AI-Based Mock Tests and Mentorship
Before the exam, both candidates completed:
- 50+ practice tests
- Recall sessions
- AI grand mock test
- Continuous doubt-solving classes
The final mock test was intentionally challenging and clinical, which helped them build confidence and improve diagnostic thinking. Consistent mentoring, even on exam day morning, helped reduce anxiety and keep them focused.
What Happens Next?
Passing the DHA exam is just the beginning. The next step is securing a dental job in Dubai, with continued guidance on:
- CV preparation
- Job search strategies
- Interview preparation
This journey proves that global careers are achievable for Indian dentists with the right strategy and mentorship. Have more questions?