NAIVASHA, Kenya –8th-11th September 2026.
Efforts to strengthen oral healthcare in Kenya took centre stage during the 32nd Oral Health Association of Kenya (OHAK) Annual Scientific Conference in Naivasha, where regulators, academics and practitioners called for enhanced collaboration, quality training and stronger professional standards to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
Held under the theme “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Boundaries: Regulation, Professional Standards and Collaboration in Oral Healthcare in Kenya,” the conference brought together oral health professionals, policymakers, researchers and educators to discuss the future of oral healthcare and its contribution to the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
A key highlight of the event was a community outreach programme at Mirera Comprehensive School in Naivasha, where hundreds of learners benefited from oral health education and preventive care initiatives. The programme focused on promoting proper oral hygiene practices, healthy dietary habits and the importance of regular dental check-ups among school-going children.
Learners received dental kits and practical demonstrations on effective tooth-brushing techniques as part of efforts to foster lifelong healthy habits and reduce the burden of preventable oral diseases.
The outreach programme was organized through a partnership between the Mount Kenya University (MKU) Department of Dental Sciences and the Oral Health Association of Kenya, reflecting a shared commitment to community service, preventive healthcare and public awareness.
Speaking during the conference, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr. David G. Kariuki emphasized the critical role of regulation in safeguarding patient safety and maintaining public confidence in healthcare services.
Dr. Kariuki noted that KMPDC remains committed to regulating the training and practice of medicine, dentistry and community oral health through accreditation, registration, licensing, inspections and professional oversight.
He underscored the importance of quality medical education in producing competent healthcare professionals capable of meeting the evolving health needs of the population.
In this regard, Mount Kenya University Medical School offers programmes accredited by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) affirming the institution’s adherence to national standards in medical education and professional training. The accreditation ensures that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies required for safe and effective healthcare practice.
The conference also highlighted the growing importance of continuous professional development, ethical practice and compliance with licensing requirements as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare standards.
Participants were informed that Kenya continues to face challenges including workforce shortages, uneven distribution of healthcare personnel, the need for expanded training opportunities and the integration of oral health services into primary healthcare systems.
Stakeholders agreed that addressing these challenges will require stronger partnerships between universities, regulatory bodies, professional associations, county governments and healthcare providers.
KMPDC further warned against unlicensed practice, noting that illegal operators and individuals working beyond their scope of competence pose a serious threat to patient safety and the reputation of the profession.
Oral health professionals attending the conference were encouraged to maintain valid practicing licences, pursue continuous professional development and uphold the highest ethical standards in service delivery.
The Mirera Comprehensive School outreach programme was hailed as a practical demonstration of how collaboration between academic institutions, professional associations and regulators can translate policy discussions into meaningful community impact.
Delegates reaffirmed that quality healthcare is a shared responsibility and committed to strengthening partnerships that will promote accessible, safe and people-centred oral healthcare services throughout Kenya.
The event reinforced the growing role of universities such as Mount Kenya University, professional bodies and regulators in building a competent healthcare workforce while advancing public health education and preventive healthcare at the community level.
