A fresh dispute has broken out in Kenya's health sector after the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) accused the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) of introducing changes that could allow people without the required qualifications to carry out specialised dental procedures, warning that the move could put patients at risk.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the association's National Governing Council dismissed the newly published scope of practice, saying it had been introduced without following the law and without involving key players in the dental profession. The KDA maintained that the publication goes against the Constitution, the Health Act and the Council's legal mandate.
"We consider this action to be unlawful, irrational, procedurally defective, and contrary to the Constitution, the Health Act, and the statutory mandate of the Council," the association said.
The dentists' body said the scope of clinical dental practice cannot be changed through administrative publications or circulars without first going through the required legislative process. It added that any changes touching on dental care should involve public participation and consultations with professionals because they directly affect the safety of patients.
According to the KDA, the published document would permit individuals who are not qualified dentists to undertake advanced procedures such as root canal treatment (endodontics), orthodontic treatment (orthodontics), restorative dental procedures, prosthodontic treatment (prosthodontics), advanced dental surgery, prescribing medication and paediatric dentistry.
The association said these procedures require extensive professional training and clinical skills and should only be handled by qualified dental practitioners and surgeons.
"The publication exposes millions of Kenyans to the real risk of unsafe, substandard, and unregulated dental treatment," the statement read.
It added that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to receive safe, quality and professionally regulated oral healthcare, warning that allowing unqualified individuals to perform complex dental procedures would endanger patients and weaken standards within the profession.
The association also faulted the process used to develop the new scope of practice, saying there was no evidence of public participation or meaningful engagement with the dental profession and other stakeholders.
To address the matter, the KDA called on the KMPDC to immediately withdraw the publication and suspend implementation of the new scope of practice. It also demanded that the Council release the expert reports, competency assessments and stakeholder consultation records used in preparing the document.
Further, the association wants an urgent stakeholder meeting bringing together the dental profession, universities, professional associations and the Ministry of Health to discuss the way forward.
The KDA warned that it would not hesitate to challenge the publication in court if its concerns are ignored.
"Should the publication not be withdrawn forthwith, the Kenya Dental Association will pursue all available legal action to protect the public interest, uphold professional standards and ensure that the rule of law prevails," it said, warning that allowing unqualified individuals to provide dental care could expose Kenyans to "grievous bodily harm."
Even as it opposed the publication, the association said it remains willing to engage with the Council and other stakeholders to strengthen oral healthcare while protecting patients.
"The regulation of healthcare professions exists primarily to protect patients, not to lower professional standards or legitimise unauthorised clinical practice," the association said.
It added that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to strengthen oral healthcare in Kenya.