Saudi Dental Licensing Exam (SDLE) 2026: General Dentist Registration with SCFHS
SDLE Quick Summary
The Saudi Dental Licensure Exam (SDLE) is the SCFHS licensing exam for general dentists: 200 multiple choice questions in two parts of 100, each 120 minutes, with a passing score of 542 on a 200 to 800 scale. You apply through the SCFHS Mumaris Plus portal, have your documents verified by DataFlow, then book the exam at a Prometric centre in Saudi Arabia or abroad.
The Saudi Dental Licensing Exam (SDLE) is the exam a dentist must pass to be classified and registered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). This page is for general dentists: the exam itself, the registration steps and how the pieces fit together. For exam listings in other dental specialties, see our SLE general dentist exam page. If you are a physician, see our Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) guide instead.
What is the SDLE exam format?
These details come from the SCFHS SDLE Applicant Guide 2026.
| Item | SDLE (general dentist) |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based, at SCFHS-approved Prometric centres in Saudi Arabia and abroad |
| Questions | 200 single best answer MCQs (4 options), in two parts of 100; up to 10% may be unscored pilot questions |
| Time | 120 minutes per part, with a 30-minute break between parts |
| Passing score | 542 on a scale of 200 to 800 |
| Results | Within 2 to 6 weeks after the end of the test window |
| Attempts | Up to 4 times a year until you pass, but not twice in the same test window; 2 further attempts allowed after passing to improve your score |
Being more than 30 minutes late, or not turning up, counts as an attempt unless SCFHS accepts a documented reason. That rule catches people every year, so plan your journey to the centre.
Which subjects does the SDLE cover?
Who is eligible for the SDLE?
According to the SCFHS applicant guide, you can sit the SDLE if you hold a recognised BDS or equivalent degree, if you have started your internship year, or if you are a student one year away from graduation.
Passing the exam is only one part of classification. SCFHS professional classification rules also ask non-Saudi applicants for at least one year of experience (graduates of Saudi universities are exempt), a valid registration from their home licensing authority and verification of their qualifications by an SCFHS-approved verification company.
How to register for the SDLE as a general dentist
Registration happens on the SCFHS Mumaris Plus portal. The exact screens can change, and Mumaris Plus shows the sequence for your own case, but the process generally runs like this:
About the exam fee: SCFHS does not publish a fixed SDLE fee on the pages we checked, so we no longer quote a figure. You will see the current amount on Mumaris Plus when you pay.
Is passing the SDLE enough to work in Saudi Arabia?
No. Passing the SDLE is necessary, but on its own it does not let you practise. You also need a job contract, SCFHS classification and registration, the practice licence and a work visa before you can legally treat patients in Saudi Arabia. It helps to start looking for a job offer while your verification is still running.
SDLE general dentistry sample practice MCQs
Try these two questions written in the SDLE style. Tap a question to see the answer.
Question 1: Endodontics
A 32-year-old patient complains of spontaneous throbbing pain in the lower right first molar that kept him awake last night. A cold test produces sharp pain that lingers for about 40 seconds after the stimulus is removed. The tooth is not tender to percussion. A periapical radiograph shows deep caries close to the pulp and a normal periapical area. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Reversible pulpitis with normal apical tissues
B) Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with normal apical tissues
C) Pulp necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis
D) Previously treated tooth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis
Correct answer: B) Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with normal apical tissues
Spontaneous pain and a cold response that lingers after the stimulus is removed point to irreversible pulpitis. Reversible pulpitis gives short, sharp pain that stops quickly. A necrotic pulp would not respond to cold, and normal percussion with a normal radiograph means the apical tissues are not yet involved. Treatment is pulpectomy and root canal treatment.
Question 2: Pediatric Dentistry
A 5-year-old child has had the lower left primary second molar extracted because of a periapical abscess. The lower left first permanent molar has not yet erupted. Which space maintainer is most appropriate?
A) Band and loop
B) Lower lingual holding arch
C) Distal shoe appliance
D) No appliance needed, review in 6 months
Correct answer: C) Distal shoe appliance
When the primary second molar is lost before the first permanent molar erupts, the distal shoe guides the permanent molar into place and stops it drifting mesially. A band and loop needs an erupted abutment tooth distal to the space, and a lingual holding arch needs erupted permanent molars on both sides.
Practise More SDLE Dentist Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in the Saudi Dental Licensing Exam?
The SDLE has 200 single best answer questions, split into two parts of 100. Each part lasts 120 minutes, with a 30-minute break in between. Up to 10% of the questions may be unscored pilot items.
What is the SDLE passing score?
The passing score is 542 on a reporting scale of 200 to 800, as set by the SCFHS Central Assessment Committee. Results are announced within 2 to 6 weeks after the end of the test window.
How many times can I take the SDLE?
You can sit the SDLE up to four times a year until you pass, but not twice in the same test window. After passing, you are allowed two more attempts if you want to improve your score.
Can I take the SDLE outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You can test at any SCFHS-approved Prometric centre, in Saudi Arabia or abroad. The centres available to you appear when you schedule with your permit.
Do I need experience to register as a general dentist with SCFHS?
You can sit the SDLE without experience, and even before graduation in your final year. For professional classification, SCFHS asks non-Saudi applicants for at least one year of experience, except graduates of Saudi universities.
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General dentistry MCQs weighted the way the SDLE blueprint is, with explanations and timed practice in two 100-question parts.
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