NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a publication by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), warning that it could allow unqualified individuals to perform complex dental procedures and put millions of Kenyans at risk.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, July 23, the association accused the regulator of acting outside its legal mandate by publishing a revised scope of practice without following the required legislative and consultative processes.
The KDA argued that the publication unlawfully expands the scope of clinical dental practice and could permit non-dentists to undertake procedures that require specialized training and professional competence.
Among the procedures the association flagged are root canal treatment, orthodontics, restorative dental treatment, prosthodontics, advanced dental surgeries, pharmacological prescriptions and paediatric dentistry.
According to the association, these services should only be performed by trained and licensed dental practitioners because of the expertise required and the potential risks to patients if carried out by inadequately qualified personnel.
The association said the publication was “unlawful, irrational and contrary to the Constitution, the Health Act and the statutory mandate of the Council,” adding that changes to the scope of practice cannot be introduced through an administrative process.
KDA further accused KMPDC of failing to meaningfully engage the dental profession and other stakeholders before issuing the publication, saying such decisions should undergo proper public participation and regulatory review.
The association issued several demands to the council, including the immediate withdrawal of the publication, suspension of its implementation, and a commitment to develop any future scope of practice through lawful consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
It also warned that failure to comply would trigger legal action.
“Should the publication not be withdrawn forthwith, the Kenya Dental Association will pursue all available legal means to protect the public interest, uphold professional standards and ensure that the rule of law prevails,” the association said.
The dispute comes amid growing concerns within the dental profession over patient safety and professional standards, with dentists staging demonstrations outside KMPDC offices in Nairobi to protest what they described as an attempt to legalise unsafe dental practice by unqualified personnel.
KMPDC is the statutory regulator responsible for licensing and regulating medical and dental practitioners, health facilities and Community Oral Health Officers in Kenya.
The council has previously stated that it develops policies and standards governing healthcare practice and training.