Dentists have raised alarm over growing cases of dental infections saying it could lead to a crisis if not addressed promptly.

Kenya Dentist Association (KDA) President Dr Tim Theuri regretted that dental infections have become very common among Kenyans.

About four out of every 10 people, he said, have dental decay while 98 per cent of Kenyans have gum diseases, a situation that is likely to degenerate into a crisis.

The situation could worsen owing to the shortage of dentists in the country who are supposed to attend to oral treatment.

Theuri says Kenya has only 1,400 dentists meaning every county has an average of fewer than 10 dentists who are mandated to attend to thousands of patients. 

“It is rather sad that only two higher learning institutions- University of Nairobi and Moi University train dentists. This is a matter that the government should address besides enhancing the capacity of oral health units in every county by increasing their budgetary allocations,” he said.

Theuri spoke during celebrations to mark the World’s Oral Health Day at the newly launched Uhuru Wing at Ruiru Level Four Hospital in Kiambu county.