The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has urged members of the public to check the credentials of dental practitioners when looking for services for their safety.
This comes following the association’s concern that Mount Kenya University’s publications and communications may be misleading the general public and prospective students by implying that the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Oral Health programme is equivalent to or constitutes training in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme.
“The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Oral Health is not equivalent to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. Members of the public are therefore advised to clearly appreciate and take note of this distinction when making academic and professional decisions,” the association explained in a notice.
It also elaborated that the public knowing the difference is crucial to avoid being treated by untrained and unlicensed professionals.
“Pursuant to the Dentists Act, Cap 253 of the Laws of Kenya and the attendant regulations, only holders of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) qualification from an accredited institution, who are duly registered and licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), are legally qualified and competent to practise dentistry in the Republic of Kenya.”
The difference
The association urged the public to exercise due diligence and seek clarification from the relevant regulatory authorities before enrolling in any programme purported to lead to qualification or practice as a dentist.
“A BSc qualification does not confer eligibility, competence or legal authority to practise dentistry in Kenya. Unlike the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, which is internationally recognised, the BSc in Oral Health is not recognised as a dental qualification in Kenya or in any other country, and does not lead to recognition or practice as a dentist locally or internationally,” the notice added.
Staying on the safe side
The Dental Association explained that for further reference, members of the public should consult the following official resources.
- KMPDC notice on accredited universities and undergraduate dental training requirements: https://kmpdc.go.ke/undergraduate-training/
- Mount Kenya University Medical School Programmes: https://medschool.mku.ac.ke/
The association also disclosed that currently only two universities are accredited and licensed to train dentists in Kenya, namely the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Moi University.
One can confirm if a dentist or facility is registered and licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) through the official website kmpdc.go.ke.
This happens as news of quack dentists in Nairobi hit the headlines in recent days, causing concerns among citizens.
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