The Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has formally petitioned Parliament to suspend the newly introduced Bachelor of Science in Oral Health programme, citing serious concerns about its accreditation and approval process.
In a statement released on March 4, 2026, the association questioned whether the programme underwent full regulatory scrutiny before being rolled out.
KDA warned that the process appeared to lack proper consultation with key professional stakeholders in the dental sector.
“The gaps in regulatory oversight are significant. A programme of this nature cannot proceed without proper scrutiny, consultation, and accreditation,” the association stated.
KDA argued that launching such a programme without comprehensive approval could compromise professional standards and potentially affect patient safety in Kenya’s dental field.
The association has urged Parliament to investigate the matter to confirm whether the programme meets both national and international standards for dental education.
The Bachelor of Science in Oral Health was introduced as part of broader efforts to expand healthcare training in the country.
However, KDA cautioned that expanding access to education should not come at the expense of quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
The petition comes amid a wider national conversation about the quality control of university programmes.
In recent weeks, questions have been raised in other professional disciplines, prompting regulators and institutions to re-examine accreditation processes and stakeholder involvement.
Beyond calling for the programme’s suspension, KDA is also advocating for the development of a clear and transparent framework to guide the approval of future oral health-related courses.
Parliament is expected to review the petition in the coming weeks, with stakeholders keenly watching the outcome as it could shape the future of dental education and regulation in Kenya.
Tags
Education