The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has formally petitioned Parliament to urgently investigate and suspend a newly introduced Bachelor of Science in Oral Health programme, citing serious concerns over its accreditation, statutory approval, and professional recognition.
On March 4, KDA stated that no key statutory regulator or professional stakeholder was consulted during the development or rollout of the programme, describing the omission as a “serious regulatory lapse.”
The association stressed that professional healthcare training cannot proceed outside established legal and consultative frameworks.
“The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has formally petitioned the Parliament of Kenya to urgently investigate and immediately suspend a purported Bachelor of Science in Oral Health programme whose accreditation status, statutory approval and professional recognition remain unclear and deeply questionable,” read part of the statement.
Further, KDA stated that under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, there is no legally recognized professional cadre titled “Oral Health Practitioner.”
KDA Calls for Suspension of Oral Health Programme
The association noted that the term is commonly used to describe dental surgeons, practitioners, and support staff, but it is not a distinct statutory title.
It warned that presenting it as such risks misrepresentation and circumvents the safeguards governing professional education, licensure, and patient safety.
KDA added that the dental education in Kenya is governed by strict national standards, regulatory oversight, and licensure requirements.
The association further argued that only graduates of accredited Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programmes, registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, are legally permitted to practice dentistry.
Any deviation from the outlined framework, KDA warned, is unlawful and endangers the public.
In response, KDA has demanded that:
- The Ministry of Education to halt all progression of the programme pending regulatory review.
- The Commission for University Education engages statutory regulators and professional stakeholders to prevent confusion, duplication, or unlawful training pathways.
Also Read: KUCCPS Subject Requirements for Students Who Want to Pursue a Degree in Education
What it Takes to Apply for Dental Surgery Degree Programme
According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, all candidates admitted to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree programme or its equivalent must meet specific indexing requirements.
For holders of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), the minimum university entry requirement is a mean grade of C+ (plus).
In addition, candidates must attain an average grade of B (plain) in each of the following cluster subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English or Kiswahili.
Also Read: KUCCPS Degree Courses for 2026: Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process
List of Approved Medical and Dental Schools in Kenya
The following institutions are recognized as approved medical schools in Kenya:
- University of Nairobi
- Moi University
- Kenyatta University
- Egerton University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Maseno University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Mount Kenya University
- Uzima University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Kisii University
- The Aga Khan University
- Pwani University
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