This page summarises the published DHA standard as it applies to a dental clinic’s social media, as we read it. It is not legal advice. The DHA’s own document is the authority and the clinic, as the licensee, decides.
Which rules apply
Version 1.1 of the DHA Standards for Medical Advertisement Content on Social Media has applied since 3 October 2022. A DHA circular in August 2026 sent it to every private facility again. MOHAP’s health advertising rules sit alongside it. Clinics in Dubai Healthcare City also follow the DHCR Advertisement Policy, which requires approval of each advert at least 14 working days before posting.
Approval and the account
- The Medical Director approves every post that names the clinic or its location, including posts by staff and influencers.
- Posts are archived with their edits.
- The official account shows the clinic’s MOHAP advertising licence number.
- Clinics in Dubai Healthcare City also need DHCR approval before posting.
Titles
Use each dentist’s name and title exactly as on their DHA licence, specialty included. “Dr” is for physicians and dentists plus recognised PhD holders, so check before using it for other team members.
Words to avoid
The standard bans superlatives and absolutes such as best, unique, safest, 100%, guaranteed and immediate results. MOHAP’s guidelines add pain free and permanent, among others. In dentistry that rules out “painless implants”, “permanent whitening” and “the best orthodontist in Dubai”.
Patients
- Written consent, limited in subject and time, from anyone identifiable. Parental consent for children.
- Testimonials only with written consent.
- Before and after images only of the real patient, same lens, no editing, with the standard’s sentence that results may vary and the risks in the same font size.
- Replies to comments never confirm that someone is a patient or discuss their treatment.
Prices and offers
Fees and insurance arrangements may be shared. Free trials and offers the clinic cannot honour are out. Discount campaigns may need a licence. Paid posts are labelled “#ad” or “paid ad” at the start.
How we work with dental clinics
We write every post to the published standard and send it to the clinic first. Nothing goes out on silence. The Medical Director’s approval is recorded before publishing. We describe it as built to the published standard and approved by you, never as a guarantee of compliance.