Dental Health Neglected as Clinics Report Low Visits

Oral health experts in Kenya are sounding the alarm over persistently low use of dental services in public clinics, warning that dental care is being sidelined even as many citizens face preventable oral diseases. According to the 2023 Kenya Health Facility Census, only 13 percent of health facilities offer oral health services — and even fewer (around 2%) provide specialised dental care. Despite widespread disease — including high rates of gum disease and tooth decay among children — public dental clinics report few regular patients, highlighting a mismatch between need and access.
A key factor behind low clinic attendance, say analysts, is the severe shortage of dentists: Kenya currently has about 0.27 dentists per 10,000 people, well below World Health Organization recommendations. Many dentists in public hospitals reportedly engage in multiple job holding, diverting effort to private practice, leaving public dental departments understaffed, ill-equipped, and sometimes non-operational. Financial barriers also play a role — most dental procedures are not covered under the national Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, meaning patients must pay out of pocket for care.
Public health authorities are increasingly concerned about the long-term consequences of neglecting oral care. The Ministry of Health has stated that poor oral health is not just a cosmetic issue: untreated dental disease contributes to systemic health problems and reduced quality of life Recognising the gap, the government is reviewing dental benefits under SHA while pushing for more dentists and better-equipped dental units to serve the most underserved populations.
Looking ahead, advocates are calling for a concerted smile revolution — combining prevention with better infrastructure and affordability. The Kenya Dental Association is pushing for oral health to be fully integrated into universal health coverage, while county governments are being urged to hire more dental specialists and invest in dental equipment. Success will hinge on strengthening public dental services, increasing public awareness, and ensuring that dental clinics are not just present on maps, but accessible and trusted institutions for all Kenyans.