Mastering The DHA Exam: Syllabus and Exam Pattern Explained

Jul 03, 2024 4 min read
DHA Exam Syllabus for Dubai

Key Takeaways:

  • The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is a crucial evaluation for healthcare professionals aspiring to work in Dubai. It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and competence required for practising in Dubai.
  • The DHA exam caters to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. Each profession has a specific exam tailored to its area of expertise.
  • The exam syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to the candidate's profession. It includes core concepts, principles, and best practices required for delivering quality healthcare services in Dubai.

Dubai, a vibrant and dynamic city in the United Arab Emirates, beckons individuals from around the world with its promise of a better and brighter future. 

If you aspire to take your career to new heights in the healthcare industry, clearing the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is your gateway to success.

Understanding the exam's syllabus and pattern, along with dedicated preparation, will empower healthcare professionals to excel and seize the abundant career opportunities this global city has to offer.

Introduction 

Are you a healthcare professional seeking to elevate your career to new heights in one of the world's most dynamic cities? Dubai, with its booming healthcare industry and cultural allure, offers a plethora of opportunities for skilled and passionate individuals like you.

However, before you embark on this exciting journey, you must navigate the essential stepping stone: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam.

The DHA exam evaluates the competency and knowledge of healthcare professionals, ensuring they meet the standards necessary to practice in the UAE. 

Whether you are a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or allied health professional, understanding the DHA syllabus and exam pattern is key to your success.

Understanding the DHA Exam Syllabus

The DHA exam syllabus covers a wide range of topics, specific to the field of healthcare. It tests candidate's theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of healthcare practices. 

While the syllabus may vary slightly depending on the profession, here are the general subject areas covered in the DHA exam:

Clinical Knowledge 

This section assesses your knowledge of clinical concepts and medical procedures relevant to your profession. It includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and radiology.

Professional Skills 

This section evaluates your understanding of professional ethics, communication skills, patient management, and infection control measures. It may also include questions on legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare in the UAE.

Clinical Guidelines and Protocols 

The DHA exam emphasizes your familiarity with the latest clinical guidelines and protocols in your field. This includes evidence-based practices, treatment algorithms, and management approaches.

Dubai Health Authority Regulations

As a healthcare professional in Dubai, it's crucial to be aware of the local regulations and policies governing healthcare practices. The exam may include questions related to licensing requirements, healthcare standards, and patient safety initiatives specific to the UAE.

Dubai's Healthcare System

Understanding the healthcare system in Dubai, including its infrastructure, insurance policies, and healthcare delivery models, is essential. Questions related to healthcare financing, insurance claims, and the role of various healthcare stakeholders may be included.

Language Proficiency

The DHA exam also assesses your language proficiency, particularly English, as it is the primary language of instruction and communication in the healthcare sector.

Syllabus For Nurses

  • Fundamentals of Nursing -25%
  • Pediatric Nursing -18%
  • Adult Nursing -20%
  • Maternal -15%
  • Unit Management and Leadership-22%

Syllabus For General Practitioners

The DHA exam syllabus consists of 12 significant topics are as:

  • Chronic Diseases
  • Acute and/or Common Medical Problems
  • Common Pediatric Problems
  • Women Health
  • Emergency Problems
  • Common Surgical Problems
  • Common Psychiatric Problems
  • Common Eye and ENT Problems
  • Common Derma Problems
  • Basic Epidemiology and EBM Concepts
  • Family Medicine Concepts
  • Screening and Periodic Health Examination

DHA Syllabus For Pharmacists 

  • Toxicology-5%
  • Pregnancy and Lactation-5%
  • Pediatrics-5%
  • Geriatrics-5%
  • Pharmacy Calculation and Compounding-15%
  • Pharmacokinetics-5%
  • Pharmaceutical Care and Disease State Management-35%
  • Medication Safety-5%
  • Counter Medication-10%
  • Pharmacy Law and Ethics-10%

DHA Syllabus For Lab Technicians 

  • Safety and Quality Control
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Hematology
  • Blood Bank
  • Biochemistry
  • Hormones
  • Urinalysis
  • Mycology

DHA Syllabus For Dentists

  • Anesthesia and Pain Management
  • Trauma
  • Temporomandibular Joint
  • Dentoalveolar Surgery
  • Implant Surgery
  • Reconstruction
  • Cosmetic
  • Deformities and Orthognathic Surgery
  • Patient Education
  • Ethics

DHA Exam Pattern

Nurses

  • Exam Pattern: 150 MCQs with a time limit of 165 minutes.
  • Passing Score: 55%

General Practitioners

  • Exam Pattern: It consists of 150 MCQs with a time limit of 165 minutes.
  • Passing Score: 60%

Pharmacists

  • Exam Pattern: DHA exam includes 150 MCQs that must be solved in 165 minutes.
  • Passing Marks: 60%

Lab Technician

  • Exam Pattern: Consists of 100 MCQs. Which need to be answered within 150 minutes
  • Passing Marks: 55%

Dentists

  • Exam Pattern: Consists of 100 MCQs with a time limit of 150 minutes.
  • Passing Marks: 60%

Conclusion

The DHA exam is a crucial step for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai, UAE. By understanding the exam syllabus and pattern, you can better prepare yourself for success. 

Focus on studying the key subject areas, staying updated with the latest guidelines, and developing a solid understanding of Dubai's healthcare system and regulations.

Remember to manage your time effectively during the exam and maintain a calm and focused mindset. With thorough preparation and dedication, you can confidently approach the DHA exam and embark on a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai.
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Dr. Akram Ahmad
Dr. Akram Ahmad
about the author

Dr. Akram Ahmad is a clinical pharmacist and lecturer with over 10 years of teaching and research experience across various subjects of medicine in India, Malaysia and Australia. He is an educationist and a medpreneur with extensive knowledge of the global healthcare diaspora. Through his articles, videos and engaging sessions, he always aims to impart unexplored knowledge about the healthcare world to interested students and professionals.