British orthodontist in Dubai — what UK specialist training and RCS qualifications mean

Key facts

• UK GDC-registered specialist in orthodontics
• M.Orth RCS (Edinburgh) and F.Orth RCS (England)
• Clinical PhD, Queen Mary University of London
• AAO research awards 2021 and 2024
• Practises in London and at Manhal in Dubai

What UK specialist registration means

In the United Kingdom, only dentists who have completed recognised specialist training in orthodontics and are entered on the General Dental Council’s specialist list may call themselves specialist orthodontists. Specialist training typically involves several years of full-time postgraduate study and supervised clinical work after general dental qualification. Dr. Moaiyad Pacha is a GDC-registered specialist in orthodontics. In Dubai, every doctor must also hold a Dubai Health Authority licence for the title they practise under; Dr. Pacha is DHA-licensed in specialist orthodontics (licence 52229421-001). You can verify any clinician’s DHA licence and specialty yourself on the Sheryan portal.

Royal College of Surgeons M.Orth and F.Orth

The Royal Colleges of Surgeons award postgraduate orthodontic qualifications by examination. The Membership in Orthodontics (M.Orth) is taken at the end of specialist training and assesses knowledge and clinical competence across orthodontics. The Fellowship in Orthodontics (F.Orth) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England is a senior qualification, generally taken later in a specialist’s career, that assesses the advanced knowledge, diagnostic judgement and treatment-planning skills expected at consultant level. Dr. Pacha holds M.Orth RCS (Edinburgh) and F.Orth RCS (England), together with FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy), reflecting his involvement in teaching.

Academic and research background

Beyond clinical training, Dr. Pacha completed a clinical PhD at Queen Mary University of London focused on orthopaedic jaw growth modification and the correction of skeletal facial problems in growing patients. He has published randomised controlled trial research in orthodontics and received two American Association of Orthodontists research awards: the David L. Turpin Award in 2021 and the B.F. & Helen E. Dewel Award in 2024, both recognising articles in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. He has more than 15 years of experience across the UK and the Middle East, with particular interests in airway, sleep and TMJ orthodontics, MARPE and skeletal anchorage.

A London–Dubai practice and continuity of care

Dr. Pacha practises in London, in Ealing and Putney, and at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, with consultations in English and Arabic. For families who move between the UK and the UAE, this can make it easier to plan treatment timing, share records and reports in a familiar format, and arrange follow-up. Because he spends part of his time in London, Dubai appointments are scheduled on specific dates; treatments such as MARPE are planned so that key appointments fall when he is in Dubai. Patients should contact the clinic for his Dubai dates and discuss logistics before starting treatment.

Choosing a UK-trained orthodontist objectively

Whichever orthodontist you choose, the same objective criteria apply: a valid DHA licence and specialist title you can verify on Sheryan; recognised specialist training and postgraduate qualifications; experience with your type of problem, such as adult crowding, skeletal bites, airway concerns or MARPE; appropriate diagnostic records, including CBCT where justified; a clear written plan with alternatives, duration, retention and itemised fees; a defined aftercare and retainer plan; and genuine patient reviews. At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, Dr. Moaiyad Pacha provides a written plan after examination so you can compare advice with confidence.

It is never too late to straighten teeth. Adult orthodontics often works alongside implants, veneers or gum treatment, and discreet appliances fit professional life.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.