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In celebration of World Oral Health Month 2025, we are embarking on one of the most ambitious national oral health initiatives ever undertaken in Kenya. Through a multifaceted approach that includes free dental camps, awareness campaigns, school outreach programs, advocacy efforts, social media engagement, and a grand gala, we aimed to change lives—one smile at a time.
Phase 1: Expanding Access to Dental Care
Oral health remains a significant challenge in many underserved communities across Kenya. Our initiative sought to bridge this gap by conducting high-impact dental camps in multiple locations, reaching thousands of patients:
Pre-World Oral Health Day Camps:
- Ithiani Primary School, Kitui County (12th October 2024) – 2,300 individuals attended, 498 cases treated, and extensive oral hygiene education provided.
- Mathare Slums (26th October 2024) – 2,000 people reached, with 342 treated for various dental conditions.
- Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slums (16th November 2024) – 1,300 check-ups conducted, with 465 patients receiving treatment.
- Mwea (28th November 2024) – 800 people attended, with 200 receiving treatment.
- Thogoto Home for the Elderly (8th February 2025) – 80 elderly individuals attended, 30 received treatment, and all underwent oral health screenings.
- Eastleigh Dental Camp (8th March 2025) – 1,300 individuals reached through a door-to-door campaign, distributing toothpaste and offering oral hygiene education; 180 people received treatment.
The Grand Mega Dental Camp (22nd & 23rd March 2025)
Following the World Oral Health Awareness Walk on March 22nd, we will host the largest dental camp in Kenya’s history, attracting over 30,000 people in Nairobi Town. This event features:
- Free dental check-ups and treatment – Addressing oral health concerns for thousands of patients.
- Oral Health Awareness Campaigns – Educating the public on preventive care, fluoride use, and common misconceptions.
- Specialized Training for Dentists – Hands-on workshops focusing on treating special needs patients.
- Anti-Tobacco Campaign – Raising awareness about the impact of tobacco on oral health.
- Dental Fluorosis Awareness & Treatment Education – Providing practical solutions for affected individuals.
- Children’s Oral Health Activities – Interactive storytelling, coloring sessions, and fun games to instill proper oral hygiene habits from an early age.
- Mental Wellness Sessions for Dentistry Students – Addressing burnout and mental health challenges in dental practice.
Phase 2: Advocacy for Better Oral Health Policies
Recognizing the need for structural changes in Kenya’s oral healthcare system, we will take bold steps in advocating for policy reforms:
The KMPDC Petition March (20th March 2025)
On March 20th, we will march to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) headquarters to submit a petition demanding:
- An end to dental quackery – KMPDC was found to be issuing licenses to individuals unqualified to practice dentistry, endangering public health. We called for stricter regulatory measures.
- Increased absorption of dentists into public institutions – Several counties in Kenya lack a single dental practitioner, leaving millions without access to professional dental care. We urged the government to prioritize hiring dentists in underserved areas.
- Enhanced support for dental education and training – Advocating for better learning resources and materials for dental students.
The Activation Walk on March 20th will also serve as a public awareness event, sensitizing Kenyans about the grand oral health celebration on March 22nd.
Phase 3: Educating and Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond treatment, we will focus on building a culture of oral health awareness through mentorship and education:
- Career Day (22nd February 2025) – A panel discussion guiding aspiring dental students on dentistry as a career and the importance of public health.
- Mentorship Trek (1st March 2025) – Peer-to-peer learning sessions among dental students, discussing strategies to improve oral hygiene awareness.
- High School Outreach During World Oral Health Day Walk (22nd March 2025) – we invited seven schools to join the march and later mentored them on dentistry as a career.
- Additional High School Mentorship (23rd March 2025) – A dedicated session with high school students to discuss career pathways in dentistry and oral health advocacy.
Phase 4: The Digital Movement – Taking Oral Health Awareness Online
We will leverage the power of social media and digital platforms to amplify our message, ensuring that oral health awareness reaches millions beyond physical events. Our online campaigns include:
- Oral Health Challenges & Quizzes – Engaging the public in fun learning activities.
- Live Podcasts & Webinars – Featuring dental experts discussing critical oral health issues.
- Myth-Busting Campaigns – Using infographics and short videos to correct common misconceptions about oral health.
- Before-and-After Patient Stories – Showcasing real-life impact from our dental camps.
- Content creation - We will use popular content creators to reach millions of people and spread the message of oral health
Phase 5: Dentistry as an Art & The Grand Gala (23rd March 2025)
To celebrate our achievements and inspire future oral health advocates, we hosted:
- Dentistry as an Art Exhibition – A creative showcase of oral health through art, photography, and sculptures.
- Oral Health Ambassador Crowning – Recognizing outstanding individuals who contributed to the movement.
Phase 6: Post-Event Sustainability – Creating Lasting Impact
Our initiative extended beyond the World Oral Health Month celebrations, with long-term programs aimed at sustaining oral health awareness and care:
- Oral Health Club Establishment in Schools – We embarked on a mission to visit schools and create oral health clubs to ensure continuous awareness and education among students.
- St. Francis Hospital Dental Camp (5th & 6th April 2025) – A follow-up initiative where hundreds of patients received much-needed dental care.
- Alliance High School Dental Camp (12th April 2025) – Providing dental treatment and education to students and teachers, reinforcing preventive oral health measures.
Conclusion: A Movement Beyond a Single Month
This initiative was not just about a single event—it was about building a movement that will continue shaping the oral health landscape of Kenya. Through community outreach, professional training, policy advocacy, and digital engagement, we have laid the foundation for long-term impact.
By making oral health accessible, understandable, and a priority for all, we are ensuring that the message of "A happy Mouth is A Happy Mind" reaches as many people as possible.
We are ready to make history. This was not just an event—it was a revolution in Kenya’s oral health sector.
Name of association/organization
DENTAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION OF KENYA
Name of activity(ies)
More Than a Smile: Using Oral Health to Shape both Minds and Lives
Type of activity(ies)
Other
Number of activity(ies)
1
Number of participants (in activities)
45000
Press coverage details
Press Coverage Report: World Oral Health Month 2025
Introduction
The World Oral Health Month 2025 campaign received extensive media coverage, amplifying our message on oral health awareness, advocacy, and accessibility. Through strategic press engagement, we ensured that our key objectives - promoting oral health, advocating for increased government support, and providing free dental services reached a national audience.
Press Coverage Overview
1. Activation Walk & Press Briefing (March 20, 2025)
On March 20, 2025, media houses covered the Activation Walk, which started from the University of Nairobi, Department of Dental Sciences, proceeded to Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and returned to the university. The walk aimed to mobilize public participation ahead of the Mega Dental Camp and Oral Health Awareness Walk on March 22nd.
During the press briefing, we addressed the public and media on the significance of oral health, emphasizing:
- The importance of the upcoming Mega Dental Camp in providing free dental services to underserved communities.
- The objectives of the World Oral Health Awareness Walk in advocating for improved oral healthcare policies.
- The urgent need for more government investment in oral health, citing the lack of dentists in several counties.
2. Advocacy for Government Action on Oral Health Workforce
A major highlight of the media coverage was our call to the government to hire more dental practitioners in public hospitals. News reports amplified our concerns regarding the severe shortage of dentists in Kenya, with some counties lacking even a single government-employed dental practitioner.
Key points highlighted in the press included:
- The dire need for oral health professionals in public healthcare institutions.
- The disparities in dental healthcare access across different regions in Kenya.
- Our plea to policymakers to prioritize oral health in the national healthcare agenda.
3. Petition Submission to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Media coverage also focused on our formal petition submission to KMPDC, urging them to advocate for better integration of oral health services in public hospitals. Journalists reported on our detailed recommendations, which included:
- Increased budget allocation for oral healthcare.
- Deployment of more dentists to public hospitals.
- Stricter regulations to combat dental quackery.
This segment of the coverage played a crucial role in generating public discourse on the state of oral healthcare in Kenya.
4. Mega Oral Health Awareness Walk & Mega Dental Camp (March 22, 2025)
The Mega Oral Health Awareness Walk and Grand Dental Camp on March 22, 2025, received extensive media attention as one of Kenya’s largest oral health events. News reports covered:
- The participation of over 3,000 people in the awareness walk, demonstrating the widespread public concern for oral healthcare.
- The provision of free dental services during the Mega Dental Camp, where thousands of patients received dental check-ups, extractions, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings.
- The impact of the campaign, with testimonials from beneficiaries and statements from the Dental Students Association of Kenya and stakeholders.
News outlets captured the energy and scale of the event, showing:
- Live interviews with participants, dental professionals, and policymakers.
- Coverage of free dental procedures being conducted.
- On-the-ground reporting on the importance of preventive oral care.
Media Impact
The press coverage significantly amplified our campaign’s reach, ensuring that millions of Kenyans became aware of the importance of oral health. The media also played a key role in pushing the government to take action, as discussions on oral healthcare gaps gained momentum following our events.
Key Outcomes from Media Coverage:
1. Public Awareness Boost: Increased engagement on oral health issues nationwide.
2. Government Response: Policymakers were urged to address the shortage of dentists.
3. Community Impact: More people sought dental care after learning about the importance of oral health.
Conclusion
The media played an indispensable role in elevating the World Oral Health Month 2025 campaign, ensuring that our message reached policy-makers, communities, and healthcare stakeholders. Through strategic press engagement, we successfully advocated for improved dental healthcare access, provided free treatment, and mobilized national action towards better oral health in Kenya.
Our next steps include continuous media engagement, follow-ups on policy discussions, and expanding our oral health awareness initiatives in schools and communities.
Introduction
The World Oral Health Month 2025 campaign received extensive media coverage, amplifying our message on oral health awareness, advocacy, and accessibility. Through strategic press engagement, we ensured that our key objectives - promoting oral health, advocating for increased government support, and providing free dental services reached a national audience.
Press Coverage Overview
1. Activation Walk & Press Briefing (March 20, 2025)
On March 20, 2025, media houses covered the Activation Walk, which started from the University of Nairobi, Department of Dental Sciences, proceeded to Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and returned to the university. The walk aimed to mobilize public participation ahead of the Mega Dental Camp and Oral Health Awareness Walk on March 22nd.
During the press briefing, we addressed the public and media on the significance of oral health, emphasizing:
- The importance of the upcoming Mega Dental Camp in providing free dental services to underserved communities.
- The objectives of the World Oral Health Awareness Walk in advocating for improved oral healthcare policies.
- The urgent need for more government investment in oral health, citing the lack of dentists in several counties.
2. Advocacy for Government Action on Oral Health Workforce
A major highlight of the media coverage was our call to the government to hire more dental practitioners in public hospitals. News reports amplified our concerns regarding the severe shortage of dentists in Kenya, with some counties lacking even a single government-employed dental practitioner.
Key points highlighted in the press included:
- The dire need for oral health professionals in public healthcare institutions.
- The disparities in dental healthcare access across different regions in Kenya.
- Our plea to policymakers to prioritize oral health in the national healthcare agenda.
3. Petition Submission to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Media coverage also focused on our formal petition submission to KMPDC, urging them to advocate for better integration of oral health services in public hospitals. Journalists reported on our detailed recommendations, which included:
- Increased budget allocation for oral healthcare.
- Deployment of more dentists to public hospitals.
- Stricter regulations to combat dental quackery.
This segment of the coverage played a crucial role in generating public discourse on the state of oral healthcare in Kenya.
4. Mega Oral Health Awareness Walk & Mega Dental Camp (March 22, 2025)
The Mega Oral Health Awareness Walk and Grand Dental Camp on March 22, 2025, received extensive media attention as one of Kenya’s largest oral health events. News reports covered:
- The participation of over 3,000 people in the awareness walk, demonstrating the widespread public concern for oral healthcare.
- The provision of free dental services during the Mega Dental Camp, where thousands of patients received dental check-ups, extractions, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings.
- The impact of the campaign, with testimonials from beneficiaries and statements from the Dental Students Association of Kenya and stakeholders.
News outlets captured the energy and scale of the event, showing:
- Live interviews with participants, dental professionals, and policymakers.
- Coverage of free dental procedures being conducted.
- On-the-ground reporting on the importance of preventive oral care.
Media Impact
The press coverage significantly amplified our campaign’s reach, ensuring that millions of Kenyans became aware of the importance of oral health. The media also played a key role in pushing the government to take action, as discussions on oral healthcare gaps gained momentum following our events.
Key Outcomes from Media Coverage:
1. Public Awareness Boost: Increased engagement on oral health issues nationwide.
2. Government Response: Policymakers were urged to address the shortage of dentists.
3. Community Impact: More people sought dental care after learning about the importance of oral health.
Conclusion
The media played an indispensable role in elevating the World Oral Health Month 2025 campaign, ensuring that our message reached policy-makers, communities, and healthcare stakeholders. Through strategic press engagement, we successfully advocated for improved dental healthcare access, provided free treatment, and mobilized national action towards better oral health in Kenya.
Our next steps include continuous media engagement, follow-ups on policy discussions, and expanding our oral health awareness initiatives in schools and communities.
Information
genga005@gmail.com
MAIN CAMPUS, UNIVERSITY WAY, NAIROBI, KENYA
NAIROBI
00100
Kenya
NAIROBI
Multi-faceted National Oral Health Initiative – A combination of dental camps, awareness walks, hands-on training workshops, school outreach, social media advocacy, and a gala to promote oral health and its connection to overall well-being.