Dental association demands withdrawal of KMPDC scope of practice over patient safety fears
KDA officials addressing journalists yesterday. Photos/Courtesy
By William Muchiri
The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of what it terms an unlawful scope of practice published by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), saying it would allow unqualified persons to perform complex dental procedures and endanger patients.
In a statement issued yesterday, the association accused the regulator of exceeding its legal mandate by purportedly expanding the scope of dental practice through an administrative publication rather than through the legislative and regulatory processes provided for under the Constitution, the Health Act and other applicable laws.
The association said the move was unconstitutional, irrational and procedurally flawed, arguing that any changes affecting clinical dental practice must be subjected to public participation and meaningful consultation with the dental profession and other stakeholders.
KDA warned that the publication could expose millions of Kenyans to unsafe, substandard and unregulated dental care by permitting individuals who are not qualified dentists to undertake procedures that require extensive professional training and licensing.
Among the procedures the association says should only be performed by qualified dentists are root canal treatment, orthodontic care, restorative dentistry, prosthodontic treatment, advanced dental surgery, paediatric dental care and the prescription of medicines related to dental treatment.
According to the association, these are highly specialized interventions that require years of competency-based education, clinical training and professional regulation.
“The regulation of healthcare professions exists primarily to protect patients—not to lower professional standards or legitimize unauthorized clinical practice,” the association said.
KDA argued that administrative notices or circulars cannot lawfully redefine the scope of clinical practice where statutory provisions do not permit such changes.
The association called on KMPDC to immediately withdraw the publication, suspend its implementation and disclose the expert reports, competency assessments and stakeholder consultation documents that informed the decision.
It also wants the regulator to convene an urgent consultative forum bringing together the Ministry of Health, universities, professional associations and the dental fraternity to review the matter.
KDA warned that it would pursue legal action if the publication is not withdrawn, saying it was prepared to defend patient safety, professional standards and the rule of law.
The dispute highlights growing concerns within the health sector over professional regulation and the scope of practice for various healthcare cadres. Professional bodies have increasingly insisted that any expansion of clinical roles must be backed by legislation, competency-based training, proper licensing and broad stakeholder consultation to safeguard patient welfare.
The association further urged Kenyans to seek oral healthcare only from licensed dentists, emphasizing that patient safety and quality treatment depend on services being provided by qualified and legally authorized professionals.
The statement was issued by the Kenya Dental Association’s National Governing Council, led by President Dr. Kahura Mundia, under the theme: “Protecting Patients. Upholding Professional Standards. Defending the Rule of Law.”
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Pokot community calls on Uhuru Kenyatta to fulfill promise
- Kieni MP aspirant Choromai rules out quitting 2027 race
- KTDA invites transporters to move tonnes of fertilizer to tea factories
- Gachagua accuses Ruto of targeting Mt Kenya as he leads mourning for slain Ol Kalou youths
- Gachagua blames Ruto over Ol Kalou killings, rallies Mt Kenya support
About the Author
