NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 23 – The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has called for increased investment in the equitable deployment of oral health professionals, including dentists and community oral health officers, to address gaps across counties and underserved communities.
The appeal follows a series of free dental camps that saw over 7,000 Kenyans receive services such as check-ups, extractions, cleaning and root canal treatment.
The outreach, organised in partnership with Mars Wrigley Kenya and the Gemsmiles Foundation, also aimed to raise awareness on oral health challenges.
KDA said access to dental care remains limited, with Kenya’s dentist-to-population ratio at 1:37,800—far below the World Health Organization recommended 1:7,000.
KDA President Kahura Mundia said the burden of untreated dental disease remains high.
“Oral health remains one of the most overlooked components of overall health, yet the burden of untreated dental disease is significant and often preventable,” he said.
The association also highlighted high treatment costs and limited insurance coverage as key barriers preventing many Kenyans from accessing care.
Victoria Macharia said preventive care and awareness are critical in reducing oral disease.
“Preventive oral care habits and regular check-ups are among the most effective ways to reduce the burden of oral disease,” she said.
The initiative coincided with World Oral Health Day 2026, with stakeholders urging stronger policies, expanded insurance coverage and improved workforce distribution to enhance access to oral healthcare.
