DHA Orthodontics Exam 2026: Eligibility, Exemption & MCQs

DHA Orthodontics Exam Quick Summary

The exam covers dentofacial orthopedics, appliance design, biomechanics, and related orthodontic treatment topics, with 100–150 MCQs, roughly 165 minutes to complete, and a passing score above 65%.

DHA Dubai Orthodontics Specialty Exam

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) conducts this specialty exam to evaluate a candidate's clinical skill and diagnostic ability across orthodontic treatments — the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws using appliances, braces, and related interventions.

Eligibility criteria for the DHA Orthodontics exam

To apply for the DHA Orthodontics specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following:

Primary dental degree: A recognized BDS, DMD, or equivalent dental degree from an accredited institution.

Specialization in Orthodontics: A recognized postgraduate qualification in Orthodontics — Master's, Diploma, or equivalent — from an accredited institution, including a recognized residency program.

Post-specialization clinical experience: Commonly around 2–3 years of clinical practice in orthodontics after completing your specialization. The exact requirement can vary by qualifying country and institution tier.

Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: An active license to practice in your home country (or country of last employment), plus a Certificate of Good Standing confirming no disciplinary action.

DataFlow Primary Source Verification: All educational, professional, and licensing documents must be verified through DataFlow before your license application proceeds.

Confirm your own exact eligibility requirement through the Sheryan self-assessment tool.

DHA Orthodontics exam exemption criteria

Possible exam exemption

Orthodontists holding a recognized fellowship — such as FDS (Ortho) RCS from a UK Royal College, or an American Board of Dental Specialties certification in orthodontics — may be eligible for exemption from the written Prometric exam. Exemption is never automatic or guaranteed: it must be applied for with supporting proof and confirmed directly with DHA before you rely on it. Confirm your own exemption status through the Sheryan self-assessment tool rather than assuming it applies.

DHA Orthodontics exam syllabus

See the full DHA Orthodontics syllabus breakdown for the complete topic list. The exam draws from the following subject areas:

Developing Dentofacial Problems (interceptive orthodontics for intra-arch issues)
Dentofacial Orthopedics (interceptive orthodontics for inter-arch issues)
Dental Materials
Major Dentofacial Abnormalities
Orthodontic Treatment Phases and Mechanotherapy
Contemporary Orthodontic Techniques
Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders
Interdisciplinary Care of Adult Patients
Principles of Appliance Design and Biomechanics
Photography, Radiology, Cephalometry and Record Keeping
Retention and Stability
Patient Motivation
Patient Safety
Professionalism and Ethics

Most questions are presented as clinical scenario-based MCQs with 4–5 answer choices and a single correct answer, delivered as a computer-based test via Prometric.

DHA Orthodontics study material & questions

Official past papers aren't released publicly, but our Qbank compiles recall-based questions from actual test takers, reviewed by expert doctors.

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DHA Orthodontics exam format

100–150

MCQs

165 min

Time allowed

65%+

Passing score

DHA specialist dental exams are delivered as computer-based tests via Prometric. The exact question count, duration, and passing score can differ from DOH, SDLE, QCHP, and NHRA versions of the same specialty exam — always confirm the DHA-specific figures on your Sheryan eligibility notice.

Preparation tips for the DHA Orthodontics exam

Master appliance biomechanics

Principles of appliance design and biomechanics underpin many scenario questions — a solid grasp here pays off across multiple topic areas.

Practice scenario-based MCQs

Expect clinical vignettes requiring diagnostic and treatment-planning judgment, not simple fact recall.

Don't skip records & documentation

Photography, radiology, cephalometry, and record-keeping form their own topic area — easy points if revised, easy to lose if skipped.

Pace yourself

With up to 150 questions in 165 minutes, you have just over a minute per question — build that pace into your practice sessions early.

Sample Practice MCQs

Test your knowledge with these original clinical scenario-style questions. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

> Question 1: Dentofacial Orthopedics

A growing patient presents with a Class III skeletal relationship due to maxillary retrusion. What is the most appropriate interceptive treatment approach?

Answer: A protraction facemask (reverse-pull headgear) to advance the maxilla during the active growth period.

Explanation: Maxillary retrusion-driven Class III cases respond best to early orthopedic correction while growth potential remains. A protraction facemask applies forward traction to the maxilla, making it the standard interceptive choice over purely dental camouflage approaches, which are better suited to non-growing patients.

> Question 2: Appliance Biomechanics

During space closure with a sliding mechanics technique, what type of tooth movement is most likely to occur if excessive force is applied without adequate anchorage control?

Answer: Uncontrolled tipping of the anchor teeth, with possible loss of anchorage (anchor teeth moving instead of the intended teeth).

Explanation: Excessive force relative to the root surface area available for anchorage causes anchor teeth to tip and drift, undermining the intended space closure. Proper anchorage reinforcement (e.g. temporary anchorage devices) is used to prevent this reciprocal, unwanted movement.

> Question 3: Retention and Stability

A patient completes active orthodontic treatment for a mild lower incisor crowding case. What is the most important factor in preventing post-treatment relapse?

Answer: Long-term (often indefinite) retainer wear, since the periodontal and soft-tissue fibers around repositioned teeth remodel slowly and incisor crowding has a well-documented tendency to relapse with age regardless of original severity.

Explanation: Relapse of lower incisor alignment is common even in mild cases and is influenced by ongoing growth, soft-tissue pressures, and third molar presence — not just how the case was originally treated. Consistent retainer wear, rather than treatment technique alone, is the primary safeguard against relapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the DHA Orthodontics exam cover?

It covers dentofacial orthopedics, dental materials, major dentofacial abnormalities, orthodontic treatment phases and mechanotherapy, contemporary orthodontic techniques, occlusion and TMD, interdisciplinary adult care, appliance design and biomechanics, records and imaging, retention and stability, patient motivation, patient safety, and professionalism and ethics.

> What is the passing score for the DHA Orthodontics exam?

Candidates generally need to score above 65% to pass. Note that other Gulf authorities running the same specialty exam (DOH, SDLE, QCHP, NHRA) can use different question counts, durations, and pass marks, so don't assume figures from another authority apply to DHA.

> Can orthodontists be exempted from the DHA Prometric exam?

Possibly. Orthodontists holding a recognized fellowship (such as FDS (Ortho) RCS) or an American Board of Dental Specialties certification in orthodontics may apply for exemption, but it is never automatic — it must be confirmed directly with DHA before you rely on it.

> Are official DHA Orthodontics past papers available?

No — DHA does not release official past papers publicly. Recall-based question banks compiled from actual test takers' feedback are the closest available preparation resource.

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