The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has submitted a petition to parliament requesting the immediate suspension of the Bachelor of Science in Oral Health program.
In a statement released on March 4, 2026, the Association also called for a thorough investigation into the course, questioning its accreditation status.
KDA highlighted significant regulatory concerns regarding the program’s approval, development, and implementation, noting that professional stakeholders were not consulted before the course was introduced.
“The Kenya Dental Association is firmly committed to professional standards, and with good reason. Protecting public health begins with ensuring that healthcare providers possess the appropriate, legally recognized qualifications,” the Association stated.
According to the Association, the lack of consultation regarding the
KDA clarified that the term ‘Oral Health Practitioner’ typically serves as a general reference to dental surgeons, dental practitioners, and their clinical support staff, rather than being a distinct statutory title.
“Under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), there is no legally recognized or registrable professional category specifically designated as an Oral Health Practitioner,” KDA noted.
The Association further explained, “The term is a broad descriptive phrase commonly used to refer to Dental Surgeons, Dental Practitioners, and their clinical support teams. It is not a distinct statutory title.”
As part of its petition, the Association requested the Ministry of Education to immediately suspend the program’s implementation pending a comprehensive investigation.
It additionally urged the Commission for University Education to urgently engage with professional stakeholders to prevent confusion, duplication, or the creation of unauthorized professional training pathways.
“Public safety is non-negotiable. Regulatory clarity is mandatory. Professional standards cannot be compromised or subjected to experimentation,” KDA emphasized.
The Association reaffirmed its dedication to in Kenya and safeguarding the public from potential risks associated with irregular training programs.