Nairobi, Kenya – Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, convened a high-level meeting with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) to discuss strategic measures for enhancing oral health education and improving service delivery. The meeting, held at Afya House, marked a significant step toward integrated oral healthcare within the broader primary healthcare system in Kenya.
Dr. Oluga emphasized the need for a stronger public health approach to oral care, pointing out the increasing burden of dental diseases and the link between oral health and general health outcomes. He acknowledged that many Kenyans still face barriers to accessing timely and affordable dental services, making public awareness and frontline capacity building crucial elements in bridging this gap.
The Kenya Dental Association, led by its President Dr. Kahura Mundia, expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health in areas of public education, preventive care, and professional training. Dr. Mundia highlighted the Association’s commitment to not only representing the interests of dental practitioners but also playing an active role in community outreach and health promotion.
One of the key outcomes of the engagement was an agreement to explore targeted oral health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about common dental conditions, the importance of regular check-ups, and proper oral hygiene practices. These campaigns are expected to focus particularly on schools, rural communities, and other underserved populations where the burden of oral disease tends to be higher.
Additionally, the discussions focused on capacity building for nurses and other primary healthcare providers. Dr. Oluga underscored the importance of equipping non-dental health workers with basic oral health competencies to ensure early detection and referral of dental issues. This approach aligns with the Ministry’s broader goal of strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation of the health system.
The partnership will also look into the development of guidelines and training modules to ensure that oral health is incorporated into the ongoing universal health coverage (UHC) agenda. By embedding dental services into the essential health benefits package, the Ministry aims to provide a more holistic and equitable health service for all Kenyans.
In closing, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuous dialogue and collaboration in promoting oral health as an integral component of national health policy. The Ministry of Health and the Kenya Dental Association plan to establish a joint taskforce to follow up on the meeting’s resolutions and develop a roadmap for implementation.
This engagement signals a renewed focus on oral health and its role in improving the overall wellbeing of the population. Through collaborative efforts, Kenya aims to ensure that oral health services are not only accessible and affordable but also embedded within the everyday healthcare experience of its citizens.
