Kocholia, Kenya| Hundreds of Teso residents turned up at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kocholia on Tuesday to benefit from a free dental outreach program aimed at restoring dignity and improving oral health.
The initiative, spearheaded by Brush for Life (BFL) International, a USA-based organization, focused on preventive care and education to mitigate tooth decay and gum diseases—common afflictions in rural areas where access to dental care is often limited.
The outreach camp provided critical dental services, including oral examinations, tooth fillings, teeth polishing, and extractions.
For many residents, these services, which are often unaffordable or unavailable in public health facilities, were a much-needed relief.
Leaders Call for Increased Investment in Dental Health
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, who partnered with BFL International and KMTC to facilitate the program, emphasized the urgent need for greater government investment in dental health services.
He challenged the State Department for Health and Social Health Authority (SHA) to increase budgetary allocations for dental care, citing the high cost of treatment and the acute shortage of dental specialists in the country.
“Dental services in Kenya are considered expensive primarily due to a shortage of dentists, leading to high demand for limited services,” Kaunya stated.
“Additionally, SHA does not fully cover most dental procedures, forcing many people to pay out of pocket for treatments that are essential to their well-being.”
Kaunya called for sustained efforts in dental health awareness and pledged his commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance access to affordable oral care.
He urged the government to restructure medical training institutions such as KMTC to ensure more dental professionals are trained and deployed to public health facilities to bridge the gap in service delivery.
“The government must prioritize the training and recruitment of more dental specialists in public health facilities to ease the burden on citizens who struggle to access these services due to high costs and a shortage of professionals,” he added.
Promoting Preventive Dental Care
Echoing Kaunya’s sentiments, Lynelle Deroo, a representative from Brush for Life International, underscored the importance of preventive dental care and urged residents to adopt proper oral hygiene practices.
She stressed that simple daily habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, could significantly reduce dental issues and improve overall health.
“Our mission is not just about offering treatment but also about educating communities on the importance of oral care,” Deroo said.
“By promoting preventive measures, we can reduce the prevalence of dental diseases and enhance overall well-being.”
The free dental camp saw more than 600 patients receive treatment, highlighting the overwhelming need for accessible oral healthcare services in the region.
Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, which saved them from the financial burden of seeking private treatment.
As the outreach program concluded, stakeholders reiterated the need for long-term solutions, including government intervention, increased funding, and the integration of dental services into Kenya’s universal healthcare plans.
With continued advocacy and collaboration, initiatives like these could bring lasting change, ensuring that quality dental care is no longer a privilege but a right for all.
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