Saudi Dental Licensing Exam (SDLE)

SDLE Saudi Dental Licensing Exam: Everything you need to know!

What is Saudi Dental Licensure Exam (SDLE)?

If you intend to practice in Saudi Arabia or get admitted to a postgraduate training program at the Saudi Commission for Heath Specialties (SCFHS), then it is Mandatory that you sit and pass the Saudi Dental Licensure Examination (SDLE).

Who is eligible to give the SDLE Saudi Dental exam?

To apply for the Saudi Dental Licensing Exam (SDLE), you must have

a recognized primary degree (BDS or equivalent) from an accredited program of at least 5 years learning time and commenced training the internship year (for Nationals)
a minimum of 1 years of experience (after 1 year of internship) working in private clinic or hospital (for Foreigners), and 5 years of experience if you wish to work in the Saudi Ministry of Health (for Foreigners). If you’re a Specialist (hold Masters degree), then please find detailed information related to Specialist exams here

Can foreign dentists work in Saudi Arabia?

The short answer is Yes. Saudi has been lately rejecting applications for General Dentists from Asian countries. Saudi Council rejects applications with 4 years of clinical curriculum and one year Internship.

Medicals Degrees can processing applications for graduates from universities who have completed BDS with more than 5 years of learning (excluding internship 5 years studies).

SDLE Dental Exam pattern or Exam format:

The 2024-2025 Saudi License Exam for Dentists is a 4 hrs 30 minutes examination of 200 Multiple- Choice- Questions (MCQs).
The exam is divided into two parts of 100 questions each (total of 200 MCQs) with time allocation of 2 hours for each part.
There is a scheduled break between the first part and second part, with a total break time of 30 minutes to be divided between these two breaks based on candidate preference.