1. The January 2026 Change: What DHA Actually Did
Effective January 2026, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) implemented a significant change to the format of its dental licensing examination. The exam duration was reduced from 180 minutes (3 hours) to 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes). The number of questions remains unchanged at 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This change applies to both general dentists and dental specialists taking the DHA Prometric exam.
The DHA examination pattern comprises of answering 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in a total time of 170 minutes. This is a reduction of 10 minutes from the previous 180-minute format. The pass score remains at 60% overall, with a requirement to achieve ≥60% in key clinical domains: Restorative Dentistry (Prosthodontics & Operative Dentistry), Oral Medicine & Surgery, and Periodontics.
This change was not a minor tweak. It represents a deliberate shift in the exam's difficulty profile. By reducing the time available while keeping the question count constant, DHA has increased the pressure on candidates to read, comprehend, and answer questions more quickly. The exam now tests not only clinical knowledge but also the ability to perform under strict time constraints.
For a full breakdown of all DHA exam components
Go to the main DHA 2026 guide for Sheryan, fees, eligibility, and Prometric booking.
2. Why the Change? The Rationale Behind the Reduced Duration
DHA has not published an official statement explaining the rationale for the 2026 change. However, several logical factors likely influenced the decision. The change brings DHA into closer alignment with international licensing standards. Many high-stakes medical and dental licensing exams around the world are moving toward shorter durations to place greater emphasis on rapid clinical decision-making.
The change also reflects the realities of modern dental practice. In a clinical setting, dentists must make quick, accurate decisions under pressure. A patient in the chair does not allow for extended deliberation. By reducing the exam duration, DHA is attempting to assess a candidate's ability to think on their feet — a skill that is essential for safe and effective practice in Dubai's fast-paced healthcare environment.
Furthermore, the change may help to differentiate candidates more effectively. When an exam has generous time limits, most candidates finish and the score distribution can be compressed. A tighter time limit creates a wider spread of scores, allowing DHA to better identify candidates who excel under pressure.
See how the new DHA timing affects your choice of UAE exam
Compare DHA with MOH and DOH before choosing the authority that fits your pace and target emirate.
3. Pacing Breakdown: 170 Minutes for 150 MCQs
The most important implication of the change is the new pacing requirement. With 150 questions to answer in 170 minutes, you have an average of 68 seconds per question. This is a reduction from the previous 72 seconds per question.
Here is the exact calculation:
- Old format: 180 minutes ÷ 150 questions = 72 seconds per question
- New format: 170 minutes ÷ 150 questions = 68 seconds per question
The difference of 4 seconds per question might seem small, but over the course of 150 questions, it adds up to a total of 10 minutes less. Those 10 minutes are the difference between having time to review flagged questions and rushing to finish the exam.
Effective time management is key to passing the DHA exam. The DHA exam gives you 150 MCQs in 180 minutes. That's roughly 72 seconds per question. This simple calculation is where most students go wrong. Under the new format, the same principle applies with even less margin for error.
New Pacing Targets — Your 170-Minute Roadmap
• First 50 questions: Aim to complete in 55 minutes (66 seconds per question)
• Next 50 questions: Aim for 55 minutes (66 seconds per question)
• Final 50 questions: Aim for 55 minutes (66 seconds per question)
• Remaining 5 minutes: Review flagged questions and check for missed answers
4. Domain Weightage and Scoring: What Has Not Changed
While the duration has changed, the domain weightage and scoring criteria remain the same. This is important because it means your content preparation strategy does not need to change — only your pacing strategy.
The domain weightage for the DHA dental exam is as follows:
| Domain | Number of Questions | Percentage of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Prosthodontics & Operative Dentistry | 46 | 31% |
| Oral Medicine & Oral Surgery | 31 | 21% |
| Periodontics | 27 | 18% |
| Orthodontics & Paediatric Dentistry | 26 | 17% |
| Endodontics | 20 | 13% |
| Total | 150 | 100% |
You must score an overall 60%, and ≥ 60% in key clinical domains: Restorative (prosthodontics & operative), Oral Medicine/Surgery, and Periodontics. This means you cannot compensate for weakness in one domain with strength in another. You must achieve a passing score in each of these three critical areas.
An aggregate total of 60% or above, but 57% and 56% in Restorative Dentistry and Oral Medicine and Surgery respectively and 60% in Periodontics will be considered a Fail. Conversely, an aggregate total of 60% or above, with 59% and 63% in Restorative Dentistry and Oral Medicine and Surgery respectively and 60% in Periodontics will be considered a Pass.
5. DHA vs MOH vs DOH: Timing Comparison
The new DHA timing creates a clear distinction between the three UAE licensing authorities. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing which exam to take.
| Authority | Number of Questions | Exam Duration | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHA (Dubai) — NEW | 150 MCQs | 170 minutes | 68 seconds |
| DHA (Dubai) — OLD (pre-2026) | 150 MCQs | 180 minutes | 72 seconds |
| MOH (Northern Emirates) | 150 MCQs | 180 minutes | 72 seconds |
| DOH (Abu Dhabi) | 150 MCQs | 180 minutes | 72 seconds |
For Ministry of Health (MOH) and Department of Health (DOH) exams, the actual examination time is 3 hours with 150 MCQs. This means DHA is now the most time-pressured exam among the three UAE authorities. If you struggle with time management, MOH or DOH may be more forgiving options. However, if you can handle the faster pace, DHA gives you access to the Dubai job market, which generally offers the highest salaries.
The MOH pass score is 60% based on total number of correct answers. The DOH pass score is 65% as of January 2023. DHA remains at 60% overall but with domain-specific requirements.
Full MOH exam guide — 180 minutes, 150 MCQs
Compare the MOH route if you want a less time-pressured UAE exam.
Full DOH exam guide — 180 minutes, 150 MCQs, 65% pass score
Compare DHA timing pressure with the Abu Dhabi route and Pearson VUE.
6. Pacing Strategy: How to Prepare for 68 Seconds Per Question
The key to passing the new DHA exam is to practice under the new time conditions. Do not use old mock exams that assume 180 minutes. You must train your brain to work at 68 seconds per question.
Strategy 1 — The Three-Pass Method: Start the exam by answering all easy questions first. Spend no more than 40 seconds on these. Mark difficult questions and move on. After completing the first pass, return to the flagged questions. This prevents you from getting stuck on hard questions early and running out of time for easy ones later.
Strategy 2 — Use Full-Length Timed Mocks: Practice solving 150 questions in 170 minutes (~1.13 min/Q). Take full-length mock tests under exam conditions to build stamina and speed. Simulate exam timing: Do timed mock exams — 150 Qs in 170 minutes.
Strategy 3 — Prioritise High-Weight Domains: Focus revision on the domains with mandatory ≥60% scores. These are Restorative Dentistry (46 questions), Oral Medicine/Surgery (31 questions), and Periodontics (27 questions). Together, these three domains account for 104 of the 150 questions (69% of the exam). If you master these areas, you will have a strong foundation for passing.
Strategy 4 — Use Mock Tests to Build Control: The DHA exam is a performance exam, not a memory test. 150 MCQs in 180 minutes = strict time discipline is essential. Mock tests build control, not just confidence. Taking regular timed mock tests will help you get used to exam conditions, ensuring you can pace yourself without rushing or losing track of time.
8-Week Pacing Training Plan
• Week 1-2: Untimed practice — focus on accuracy
• Week 3-4: Timed sections — 50 questions in 55 minutes
• Week 5-6: Full-length mocks — 150 questions in 170 minutes
• Week 7-8: Simulated exam conditions — no breaks, strict timing
• Track your progress: If you finish with less than 5 minutes remaining, you need more speed training.
7. What Happens If You Run Out of Time? Consequences and Mitigation
Running out of time on the DHA exam has serious consequences. The computer automatically submits your answers when the timer reaches zero. Any unanswered questions are counted as incorrect.
The DHA exam pass score is not straight-forward as it is thought to have a weighted scoring system. Examinees with an aggregate score of 60% and above, and a score of above 60% in Restorative Dentistry OR Oral Medicine and Surgery OR Periodontics will be considered Pass. If you run out of time and leave questions unanswered in these critical domains, your chances of passing drop significantly.
To mitigate time pressure:
- Do not spend more than 90 seconds on any single question on your first pass
- Flag difficult questions and return to them only after completing all easy questions
- Use the last 5 minutes of the exam to guess on any remaining flagged questions — there is no negative marking, so guessing is always better than leaving a question blank
8. Exam Day Tips for the New 170-Minute Format
The exam is conducted at Prometric testing centres. You will have 170 minutes of seated examination time. This does not include breaks or administrative procedures.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be admitted. Bring two forms of valid identification (passport is mandatory). The computer-based test environment is strictly controlled. No personal items, electronic devices, or notes are permitted in the testing room.
Once the exam begins, you will see a timer counting down from 170 minutes. Use the flagging feature to mark questions you want to review later. The exam interface allows you to navigate between questions freely. If you finish early, use the remaining time to review flagged questions — but be careful not to change correct answers to incorrect ones out of second-guessing.
The DHA exam results are typically uploaded to the DHA portal within 24–48 hours after completion. An electronic score report will be sent to your registered email ID immediately after completing the Prometric DHA Exam.
9. Strategic Implications: Which Exam to Choose After the Change
The new DHA timing affects the strategic decision of which UAE exam to take first. If you are a fast reader and can process clinical information quickly, DHA remains an attractive option because it gives you access to the Dubai job market. However, if you struggle with time pressure, MOH or DOH may be safer choices.
Here is how the change affects the decision matrix:
- Choose DHA if: You are confident in your ability to answer 150 questions in 170 minutes. You can process clinical scenarios quickly. You want to work in Dubai, where salaries are highest. You are willing to invest in intensive pacing practice.
- Choose MOH if: You prefer a more forgiving time limit (180 minutes). You want to work in the Northern Emirates. You are willing to accept lower salaries in exchange for a less pressured exam experience.
- Choose DOH if: You want to work in Abu Dhabi. You can handle the 65% pass score (the highest among the three). You are comfortable with the Pearson VUE testing platform. You can complete the licence application within 3 months of passing.
If you are a first-time test taker and are uncertain about your ability to handle time pressure, consider starting with MOH. MOH has the same 60% pass score as DHA but with 10 extra minutes (180 minutes total). Passing MOH first gives you a licence to practise in the Northern Emirates, and you can later transfer to DHA or DOH with less pressure.
Remember: Your attempts are shared across all three authorities
Plan your sequencing carefully before using a fast, high-pressure DHA sitting as your first try.
10. Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Change
Does the 170-minute change apply to all DHA exams or just dentists?
The 170-minute duration is specifically confirmed for the DHA dental exam. Other professions (nurses, pharmacists, allied health) may have different durations. Always check the specific exam blueprint for your profession.
Can I request extra time for medical reasons?
DHA may grant accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities or medical conditions. You must apply for accommodations during the application process and provide supporting documentation. Accommodations are not automatically granted.
Does the 170 minutes include breaks?
No. The 170 minutes is the seated examination time. There are no scheduled breaks during the DHA exam. If you need a break for any reason, the timer continues to count down.
What if I finish early?
You may submit the exam early if you finish before the 170-minute timer expires. You are not required to use the full duration. However, it is strongly recommended to use any remaining time to review flagged questions.
Will DHA change the exam format again in 2026?
As of now, no further changes have been announced for 2026. However, DHA reserves the right to change the assessment content, exam format, or pass score without prior notice. Always check the official DHA website for the latest information before booking your exam.
How DentAIstudy helps
DentAIstudy helps DHA candidates adapt to the 170-minute format with more structure and less wasted revision.
- Train pacing with a clearer question-to-time strategy
- Turn format changes into focused revision priorities
- Build mock-exam discipline around real licensing pressure
- Compare DHA timing pressure with MOH and DOH more intelligently
Related UAE articles
References
- eDentalPortal — Prometric Dental Licensing Exam for Dentists | As of January 2026, DHA exam pattern: 150 MCQs in 170 minutes; MOH/DOH exams: 3 hours with 150 MCQs (2026)
- Prometric Dental Learning — 2025 DHA Dental Exam: Key Changes | 150 MCQs in 170 minutes; passing criteria: overall 60% and ≥60% in key domains; domain weightage: Prosthodontics & Operative 46, Oral Medicine/Surgery 31, Periodontics 27, Orthodontics & Pediatric 26, Endodontics 20 (2025)
- Academically — How Long to Pass the DHA Exam for Dentists – 2026 Guide | Exam Duration: 170 minutes; Passing Score: 60%; 150 MCQs (2026)
- Elite Expertise — DHA Exam 2026: Mock Test Strategy, Time Control & Success Tips | 150 MCQs in 180 minutes = strict time discipline essential; three-pass strategy: easy questions 30–40 seconds, moderate questions 60–70 seconds (2026)
- Academically — How To Prepare For DHA Exam For Dentists | 150 MCQs in 170 minutes; time management is key (2025)
- SearchPlushr — How to Pass DHA Exam Easily | Take full-length mock tests under exam conditions to build stamina and speed (2026)
- Neethus Academy — DHA Time Management Strategy | The DHA exam consists of 100–150 MCQs within 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (2025)