DOH Endodontics Exam 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus & MCQs

DOH Endodontics Exam Quick Summary

The DOH (Department of Health) Abu Dhabi Endodontics specialty exam covers pulpal and periapical pathology, endodontic surgery, dental trauma, and mishaps/failures, with 150 MCQs and roughly 2.5-3 hours to complete -- delivered via Pearson VUE test centers, not Prometric, with a passing score in the approximate 55-65% range.

DOH / HAAD Abu Dhabi Endodontics Specialty Exam

The Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi -- previously known as the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) -- administers this specialty exam to evaluate an endodontist's knowledge of root canal treatment, pulp biology, endodontic surgery, and management of dental trauma and treatment complications. It's delivered as scenario-based MCQs with a single correct answer, rather than direct fact recall. See our DOH exam subjects & format guide for how this compares across DOH's dental specialties.

Booking note: DOH exams run on Pearson VUE, not Prometric -- see our full DOH exam registration guide for the step-by-step TAMM account, DataFlow, and Pearson VUE scheduling process.

Eligibility criteria for the DOH Endodontics exam

To apply for the DOH Endodontics specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following (see our DOH/HAAD eligibility requirements for dentists guide for the broader dental framework this builds on):

Postgraduate specialty degree: A recognized postgraduate qualification in Endodontics (MDS, MSc, or equivalent specialty degree) from an accredited institution. European degrees must be full-time clinical programs, not research-based.
Clinical experience: At least 3 years of post-specialist-qualification experience for non-UAE nationals.
Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: Current professional registration/license from your country of practice, plus a Good Standing Certificate.
DataFlow Primary Source Verification: All educational, professional, and licensing documents must be verified through DataFlow. Our DOH credentialing process guide walks through this step in detail.

Note: DOH permits up to 3 exam attempts in total, shared across DHA, MOH, and DOH combined -- not 3 fresh attempts per authority.

DOH Endodontics exam exemption

Nationality-based exemption under DOH's PQR system
DOH's Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) provide for certain candidates to be exempted from parts of the standard pathway: UAE nationals, and separately children of Emirati women, may qualify for exemption from some requirements. This is different from an international-dental-board exemption -- DHA publishes its own list for dentists (FDSRCS, FDSRCPS, MFDS, MJDF, American Board of Dental Specialties certification), but DOH does not publish an equivalent board-certification exemption route. If you hold a qualification such as American Board of Endodontics certification or a UK/European dental fellowship, confirm directly with DOH whether it carries any recognition before assuming it applies.

See our DOH specialist exam exemption criteria guide for the physician-focused exemption list, which does not extend to dental-specific credentials.

DOH Endodontics exam syllabus

The exam draws on the following core subject areas:

  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Dental Pulpal and Periapical Pathology
  • Primary Endodontic Treatment Procedures
  • Endodontic Surgery
  • Dental Trauma Injuries
  • Regenerative Endodontics and Vital Pulp Therapy
  • Endo-Perio Lesions
  • Medically Compromised Patients
  • Pain Management and Emergency Procedures
  • Endodontic Mishaps and Failures
  • Endodontic Pharmacology
  • Ethics and Professionalism

DOH does not publish an official percentage weightage across these subjects, so treat any specific percentages you see elsewhere with caution. Questions are presented as long, clinical scenario-based MCQs with four answer options and no negative marking.

DOH Endodontics study material & questions
Our Qbank compiles high-yield, recall-based questions with full explanations, reviewed by expert endodontists.

DOH Endodontics exam format

150
MCQs
~2.5-3 hours
Time allowed
~55-65%
Passing score

The exam is delivered as a computer-based, proctored test at authorized Pearson VUE centers (not Prometric), with no negative marking for incorrect answers. Duration and passing score can vary slightly by testing cycle, so confirm the current figures with DOH or Pearson VUE directly before your exam.

Preparation tips for the DOH Endodontics exam

Double-check your test center
DOH uses Pearson VUE, not Prometric -- confirm your booking platform early so you don't accidentally schedule at the wrong center.
Don't underrate trauma and mishaps
Dental trauma injuries and endodontic mishaps/failures are frequently tested but often under-revised -- work through case-based scenarios in both areas.
Know your attempt count
You get up to 3 attempts total across DHA, MOH, and DOH combined -- not 3 separate attempts per authority, so prepare thoroughly before your first sitting.
Pace yourself
With 150 questions in roughly 2.5-3 hours, you have about 1-1.2 minutes 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: Pulpal Diagnosis
A patient reports sharp, lingering pain to cold that persists for over a minute after the stimulus is removed, on a molar with a deep restoration. The tooth is tender to percussion. What is the most likely pulpal diagnosis?

Answer: Symptomatic (irreversible) pulpitis.

Explanation: Lingering pain after cold stimulus removal, rather than pain that resolves promptly, is the classic distinguishing feature of irreversible pulpitis, as opposed to reversible pulpitis where pain subsides quickly once the stimulus is removed.
> Question 2: Dental Trauma
A young adult presents immediately after an avulsed permanent incisor was replanted within 20 minutes of the injury, having been stored in milk. What is the most appropriate immediate endodontic management?

Answer: Splint the tooth and delay root canal treatment if the apex is still open (to allow possible revascularization); if the apex is closed, plan root canal treatment within 7-10 days.

Explanation: Management after replantation depends on root maturity: an open apex allows a chance of pulp revascularization, so endodontic treatment is deferred and monitored, while a closed apex has little revascularization potential and needs timely root canal treatment to prevent inflammatory root resorption.
> Question 3: Endodontic Mishaps
During instrumentation of a curved canal, a file separates and the fragment is lodged in the apical third, beyond which the canal appears adequately cleaned and shaped. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: If the fragment cannot be safely retrieved, it may be bypassed or left in place and incorporated into the obturation, with the patient informed and followed up radiographically -- rather than aggressively attempting removal that risks perforation or excessive dentin loss.

Explanation: Not all separated instruments require retrieval. When a fragment is beyond an otherwise well-cleaned and shaped canal, the risks of aggressive retrieval (perforation, weakening the root) often outweigh the benefit, and prognosis can remain favorable with monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the DOH Endodontics exam cover?

Diagnosis and treatment planning, pulpal and periapical pathology, primary endodontic treatment, endodontic surgery, dental trauma, regenerative endodontics, endo-perio lesions, medically compromised patients, pain management, mishaps and failures, pharmacology, and ethics.

> Is the DOH Endodontics exam held at Prometric or Pearson VUE?

Pearson VUE. This is different from DHA and other Gulf authorities that use Prometric -- confirm your test center before scheduling.

> What is the passing score for the DOH Endodontics exam?

Approximately 55-65%, and it can vary slightly by testing cycle -- confirm the current threshold directly with DOH or Pearson VUE.

> Are endodontists exempted from the DOH exam?

UAE nationals and children of Emirati women may qualify for exemption from certain requirements under DOH's PQR system. There is no confirmed international-dental-board exemption route (such as American Board of Endodontics certification) for DOH the way DHA publishes one -- confirm your specific situation directly with DOH.

> How many attempts are allowed for the DOH Endodontics exam?

Up to 3 attempts in total, shared across DHA, MOH, and DOH combined -- not 3 separate attempts per authority.

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Dr. Sadia Raza
Dr. Sadia Raza

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