Licensing Process
Exemption From the Licensing Exam
Dentists with valid licenses to practice dentistry overseas may be exempt from both the theoretical and practical examinations required to practice dentistry in Israel. Specific criteria must be met in order to be eligible for this exemption, most notably, the dentist must have practiced for at least five years of the prior seven years in their country of origin. A dentist who has attempted and failed one of the Israeli examinations will be automatically ineligible for this exemption.
In order to be eligible for the exemption from the licensing exams, please submit:
- Proof of 5 years of work experience from the prior 7 years – A Letter from an employer(s) proving 5 years of work experience – Official work permits from the appropriate medical institutions and indication of the start and end date of work at each institution (in relevant cases – a workbook)
- A dentist who works privately must show a letter from an accountant proving five years of private practice
- A letter from the clinic and a copy of the clinic’s license
- Proof that your license has been continuously registered with the relevant authorities for the 5 years prior to making the request for exemption. Here is an example of an acceptable form of proof, from the state of New York. Different states/provinces might have a variation of this form. Proof of Continuous Registration – Dental – EXAMPLE
List of required documents
- 2 passport photos.
- 2 photocopies of the Israeli identity card, including the address stub and/or photocopy of the passport. It is possible to submit this document later in the process if you are starting your application prior to making Aliyah.
- Final diploma in dentistry from a recognized university or certification from a university of completion of studies, completion of all requirements for the university, and entitlement to a degree in dentistry to be awarded on a certain date. Requires verification (see below)*.
NOTE: The Ministry of Health DOES NOT recognize any online degrees in the medical or para-medical fields. - A valid license to practice dentistry. Requires verification (see below)*.
- An official record of your work in dentistry from the appropriate institutions, and notations regarding the start and end dates of work at each institution (in the relevant cases – a work card). For Olim seeking an exemption from the licensing exams, please see the box below for more information about work experience.
- A professional letter of good standing from the authorized bodies in the country from which the applicant immigrated to Israel. The letter confirms that there are no, and have not been any disciplinary, negligence, or professional ethics complaints against the dentist. The letter should be sent directly to the MOH from the same entity that issued your license.
- Application form: Medical Licensing – Questionnaire. Please make sure to have your name written also in its Hebrew transliteration. In addition, you must provide an ISRAELI address and cell phone# (can be of friends/family).
- To receive a license to practice dentistry in Israel, graduates of institutions recognized to teach this profession overseas must successfully pass the government licensing examinations in dentistry in Israel. You must fill out a form, requesting to take the dental exam: Dentists – Request for Exam – Hebrew.
- If you intend to take the licensing exam as a tourist, please make sure to submit this affidavit.
Do not submit any original files. For Israeli notaries, see Notarization Services.
It should be noted that some of the documents listed above are only valid for one year from their issuing date. If you have not submitted your Teudat Zehut (ID) within a year of opening your file with the Misrad Habriut, you may be required to present valid, re-issued documents in order to request your license.
Verification of Documents
For the documents that require verification*, you have 3 verification options.
- Verified with an apostille after having the original document notarized (recommended).
- Bring it to an ISRAELI notary and have them notarize it.
- A verified copy (אימות העתק, Imut He’etek) at the Israeli consulate.
The Licensing Exam
In order to practice in Israel, all dentists must pass a licensing exam (theoretical and practical). The exam is held twice a year. You may take the exam in English. You may take the exam before receiving Oleh status, but it is necessary to obtain Oleh status (or an A1 visa) in order to receive the professional license.
To register for the exam, dentists should apply to Misrad Habriut (Ministry of Health), Department of Medical Professions. If for some reason, you didn’t get access to the MOH’s portal you MUST contact their call center at *5400 and ask for it. Without it, you will not be able to sit for the exam.
Requests must be filed no later than 30 days prior to the exam date, however, it is recommended that you begin the registration process 3 to 4 months prior to the exam. Fees for each part of the exam must be paid at a branch of the Postal Bank (Bank HaDoar).
The second part of the dental exam will be given approximately one month after the first part. Please note that one can take the second part of the exam on another occasion on which the exam is offered.
After passing both parts of the exam and making Aliyah, one will be able to obtain a temporary license. A permanent license is issued after working in Israel for one full year with a temporary license.
For details of the exam, see the Misrad HaBriut website.
The exam includes three sections:
Part 1
Written examination which lasts approximately 4 hours, involving multiple choice questions. It is highly recommended that you be in touch with someone who has recently taken the exam to find out more about what is included. Write to [email protected] for assistance. You must receive notification that you passed the written exam before you can continue with the rest of the exam.
Part 2
Practical exam using a dental mannequin, which includes one or more of the following: artificial fillings, beginning of root treatment, and crowns (including prepping for a crown). There is a specified time limit.
If you take a preparatory course before taking the exam, you will have an opportunity to practice working with artificial teeth.
Misrad Haklita Reimbursement for Documents
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is offering a retroactive reimbursement of up to 4000 NIS to Olim who were required to translate and/or notarize documents for the purpose of transferring their professional license in Israel. Please contact your local Misrad Haklita office for more information.
Please note the following conditions:
- This can be done ONLY AFTER completing your Aliyah.
- The reimbursement is only retroactive for 2 years prior to your date of Aliyah.
- Only Olim who have not yet reached retirement age are eligible.
- Reimbursement can be made only for Israeli notary/consulate verification with original receipts (or verified copy) . Apostille is not reimbursable!
Please note: Misrad Haklita offers a reimbursement (up to 500 NIS) for Olim who took the governmental licensing exam. Your eligibility lasts for 10 years from your date of Aliyah. The reimbursement is ONLY given retroactively and will be paid back ONLY after submitting the receipt for your exam to your local Misrad Haklita office. Please contact your local Misrad Haklita office for more information. Please note: if you didn’t participate in a Misrad Haklita preparation course for the governmental licensing exam, you may be entitled to a reimbursement for 2 exams (if needed).
If you, unfortunately, didn’t pass the exam and think that you have reason to submit an appeal, please follow the instructions delineated here.
* Last updated on October 19, 2025
