Dentists

Overview of the Profession

Approximately 85% of dentists in Israel work in private clinics or group practices. Additional employment opportunities exist in Kupot Holim (health funds), school dental clinics, kibbutzim, and hospitals. Dentists employed in public institutions are also permitted to work in private clinics.
Finding a position in Israel is often based on networking and direct outreach to dental clinics. For a comprehensive list of dentists and clinics, consult the Israel Dental Association. Job opportunities and vacancies can also be found through listings provided by the association.

 

Licensing Process

To practice dentistry in Israel, dentists must receive a license from the Ministry of Health (Misrad HaBriut).
You will need to open a file with the Ministry of Health directly. Click here for the comprehensive checklist of documents that you’ll need to submit.

Licensing Exam Exemption

Dentists who hold a valid overseas dental license may be eligible for an exemption from both the theoretical and practical licensing examinations.
To qualify for an exemption, the main requirement is that the dentist has practiced dentistry for at least five of the previous seven years in their country of origin.
A dentist who has previously attempted and failed one of the Israeli licensing examinations is automatically ineligible for this exemption.

Required Documents for Exam Exemption

Submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of five years of professional experience within the previous seven years:
    • Employer letters confirming employment dates and duration
    • Official work permits from relevant authorities
    • Documentation showing start and end dates at each institution
    • (Where relevant) professional workbooks
  • For dentists working in private practice:
    • Letter from an accountant confirming five years of private practice
    • Letter from the clinic
    • Copy of the clinic’s license
  • Proof that your dental license has been continuously registered with the relevant licensing authority for the five years prior to requesting exemption

Example: Proof of Continuous Registration – Dental (New York example). Requirements may vary by country/state/province.
Important: Do not submit original documents.

 

Verification of Documents

Documents requiring verification can be verified through one of the following methods:

  1. Apostille after notarization of the original document (recommended)
  2. Israeli notary verification
  3. Verified copy (אימות העתק / Imut He’etek) through an Israeli consulate

 

Licensing Examination

Dentists who are not eligible for an exemption must pass the Israeli dental licensing examination.
The exam is offered twice per year and may be taken in English.
Dentists may take the exam before receiving Oleh status; however, they must obtain Oleh status (or an A1 visa) in order to receive their professional license.

Registering for the Exam

Registration is completed through the Ministry of Health Department of Medical Professions.

If you do not receive access to the Ministry of Health online portal, contact the Ministry of Health call center at *5400 to request access. Without portal access, you will not be able to register for the exam.

Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the exam date. However, it is strongly recommended to begin the process 3–4 months in advance.
Exam fees must be paid through a branch of the Postal Bank (Bank HaDoar).

The practical exam takes place approximately one month after the written exam. The second part may also be completed during a later exam session if needed.
After successfully completing both parts of the exam and making Aliyah, dentists can receive a temporary license. A permanent license is issued after working in Israel for one full year with a temporary license.

For full exam details, see the Ministry of Health website.

Exam Structure

Part 1: Written Examination

  • Approximately 4 hours
  • Multiple-choice format
  • Covers dental knowledge and clinical topics

It is highly recommended to speak with someone who has recently taken the exam to understand the current format and content.

Contact [email protected] for assistance connecting with relevant resources.

You must receive confirmation that you passed the written exam before continuing to the practical portion.

Part 2: Practical Examination

A hands-on exam using a dental mannequin.

Possible procedures include:

  • Artificial fillings
  • Beginning root canal treatment
  • Crown preparation

The exam has strict time limits.

Dentists who take a preparatory course before the exam will have the opportunity to practice working with artificial teeth.

Licensing Exam Fee Reimbursement

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration may reimburse up to 500 NIS for the government licensing exam.

Eligibility:

  • Available for up to 10 years after Aliyah
  • Reimbursement is retroactive only
  • Submit the exam receipt to your local Ministry of Aliyah and Integration office

If you did not participate in a Ministry of Aliyah and Integration licensing exam preparation course, you may be eligible for reimbursement for up to two exam attempts.

If you did not pass the exam and believe you have grounds for an appeal, follow the official appeal process instructions.

 

Ministry of Aliyah and Integration Reimbursements

Document Translation and Notarization Reimbursement

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration offers retroactive reimbursement of up to 4,000 NIS for eligible Olim who paid for translation and/or notarization of documents required for professional licensing.

Conditions:

  • Must apply after completing Aliyah
  • Expenses must have occurred within two years prior to Aliyah
  • Only available to Olim who have not reached retirement age
  • Requires original receipts

Note: Apostille fees are not reimbursed.

Contact your local Ministry of Aliyah and Integration office for details.

 

Specialty Recognition

Specialists must pass the dental licensing exam and successfully obtain an Israeli dental license before applying for specialty recognition through the Dental Scientific Council.

Recognized dental specialties in Israel include:

  • Endodontics
  • Oral Medicine
  • Oral Pathology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Pedodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Public Health Dentistry

To begin the recognition process:

Complete the Request for Recognition for a Dental Subspecialty form (Hebrew only) and submit it with the required documents to:

Scientific Council
Rehov Yafo 97
Jerusalem 94340
Phone: 03-528-8054

For additional information, contact Shifra Bsor from the Israel Dental Association:
[email protected]

Each specialty has specific recognition requirements available through the Israel Dental Association.

Moderate Sedation Certification

Dentists licensed abroad who are certified to administer moderate sedation in their country of practice may receive Israeli certification if they have administered at least 10 sedations during the two years prior to Aliyah.

For documentation requirements and questions, contact:

Mrs. Galit Ben Ami
Dental Division, Ministry of Health
[email protected]

 

Hebrew & Professional Integration

A strong working knowledge of Hebrew is essential for practicing dentistry in Israel.

Even dentists who primarily treat English-speaking patients must communicate with government agencies, healthcare systems, and professional organizations.

Medical Ulpan

Learn more about medical Ulpan options here: Hebrew Connect

* Last updated on July 1, 2026