Dentists oppose KMPDC move to allow non-dentists to offer dental services
By Faith Lagat, July 23, 2026The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has opposed a reported publication by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) that seeks to authorize non-qualified persons to provide dental care services, warning that the move could compromise patient safety and professional standards.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 23, 2026, by its National Governing Council, the association described the publication as unlawful, irrational and inconsistent with the Constitution, the Health Act and the Council’s statutory mandate.
The association said expanding the scope of clinical dental practice through administrative publications instead of legislative and regulatory processes falls outside the proper framework for regulating healthcare professions.
“The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the reported publication by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) of a purported scope of practice that seeks to authorise persons who are not qualified dentists to provide dental care services,” read the statement in part.
KDA raises safety concerns
The KDA said the reported publication could expose Kenyans to unsafe, substandard and unregulated dental treatment.
According to the association, patients have a constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to safe and professionally regulated oral healthcare.
It said any changes affecting clinical dental practice should be subjected to public participation and meaningful consultation with the profession before implementation.
The association also expressed concern over the inclusion of procedures that require specialised education, clinical training and professional competence.
Among the procedures listed are root canal treatment (endodontics), orthodontic treatment, restorative dental work, prosthodontics, advanced dental surgeries, pharmacological prescriptions and paediatric dentistry.
The KDA said such interventions should only be undertaken by qualified dental practitioners and surgeons because they require specialised knowledge and skills.
Four demands to KMPDC
The association called on the KMPDC to immediately withdraw the publication together with any licenses associated with the reported scope of practice.
It also asked the Council to suspend implementation of the publication pending further engagement with stakeholders.
In addition, the KDA urged the regulator to make public the expert reports, competency assessments and stakeholder consultation documents that informed the reported changes.
The association further called for an urgent stakeholder forum bringing together the dental profession, universities, professional associations and the Ministry of Health to discuss the matter.
Legal action if publication remains
The KDA said it would pursue available legal avenues if the publication is not withdrawn, stating that healthcare regulation exists to protect patients and uphold professional standards.
The association maintained that decisions affecting the delivery of dental care should be guided by established legal and regulatory processes to safeguard public health.
The statement was shared on the association’s X account, @kenyadental, alongside images of the official statement and advocacy activities. The post also reminded members of the public to seek oral healthcare only from licensed dentists.
The KDA reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen oral healthcare in Kenya while ensuring that providers of dental treatment possess the required qualifications, competence and legal authority.
Its statement concluded with the message: “Protecting Patients. Upholding Professional Standards. Defending the Rule of Law.”