Kenya on Thursday joined the global community in commemorating World Oral Health Day 2025, with national celebrations held at Nduluku Comprehensive School in Makueni County.
The event, themed “A Happy Mouth Is… A Happy Mind,” underscored the crucial link between oral health and mental well-being, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing oral health challenges within the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rebecca Kiptui, Acting Director for Curative and Nursing Services at the Ministry of Health, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Medical Services. She emphasized that oral health must be prioritized as an integral component of the country’s healthcare agenda.
“Oral health is more than just a healthy smile—it is essential to physical, mental, and social well-being. Poor oral health can have far-reaching consequences, including systemic diseases and reduced productivity,” Dr. Kiptui noted.
Statistics from the 2015 National Oral Health Survey paint a grim picture of the nation’s dental health.
A staggering 98.1percent of Kenyan adults suffer from gum disease, while nearly half (46.3percent) of five-year-olds experience tooth decay. Additionally, dental fluorosis, largely attributed to the reliance on borehole water, affects over 41percent of children.
Despite the rising burden of oral diseases, access to dental services remains a significant challenge.
Findings from the 2023 Kenya Health Facility Census revealed that only 13% of health facilities offer oral health services, with rural and primary healthcare settings experiencing the most severe shortages.
The dentist-to-population ratio in Kenya currently stands at 0.27 per 10,000 people—well below the World Health
Organization’s recommended ratio.
Recognizing these disparities, Dr. Kiptui reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access to dental care through the Kenya National Oral Health Policy 2022–2030 and its Strategic Plan (2022–2026).
“Counties must appoint County Dentists to lead oral health coordination efforts and integrate oral health priorities into their planning and budgeting frameworks,” she said.
Dr. Kiptui announced that the Ministry of Health is reviewing oral health benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure that Kenyans can access essential dental services under UHC.
“As we work towards the realization of UHC, we must ensure no one is left behind—including those in need of quality oral healthcare,” she emphasized.
The national event brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Makueni County Government, Kenya Defence Forces, development partners, and the wider health community. Discussions centered on cross-sectoral collaboration to tackle oral health challenges and promote equitable access to care.
Kenyans were also urged to take personal responsibility for their oral hygiene, reinforcing the day’s theme that good oral health contributes to overall mental and physical well-being.
Oral health is a fundamental human right, and collective efforts are necessary to bridge existing healthcare gaps. With the government’s renewed commitment, there is hope that Kenyans will have greater access to quality dental care in the years ahead.
