Nairobi's dental care services get a boost as City Hall upgrades county health facilities

Nairobi residents can now access enhanced dental care at county health facilities, with City Hall upgrading services across Level Four and Five Hospitals.

The improvements, which include the installation of new dental units, aim to provide better healthcare services for the community, especially in underserved areas.

One of the major milestones is the opening of the first public primary dental facility at Mukuru Kwa Njenga Level 4 Hospital, marking a new era for Embakasi residents.

The unit is the latest one to be commissioned by the county this month.

Dr. Carl Oyoo, the hospital's medical superintendent stressed the importance of having dental care units within the facilities.

He revealed to The Eastleigh Voice that the county had faced a setback in setting up the unit due to congestion in the ward and also security reasons due to location

"After troubles with congestion and location and following extensive renovation, we now have a fully-fledged dental unit," Dr Oyoo said on Monday.

"This is pure joy for Embakasi residents as we officially commissioned our fully completed and equipped dental unit here. This is the first public primary dental facility in Embakasi."

A new dental unit equipment at Nairobi's Mukuru Kwa Njenga Hospital in Embakasi, Nairobi County on September 9, 2024. (Photo: Nairobi City County Government)

The Sh1.5 million facility is staffed with a trained dental surgeon and a community oral health officer, offering a wide range of services, including dental restoration, root canal treatment, teeth cleaning, orthodontics, and teeth whitening.

Easing burden

The facility is expected to serve about 300,000 people in the surrounding areas, significantly easing the burden on other county facilities.

The Director of Dental Services, Dr PJ Muriuki, pointed out that the upgrade aligns with Governor Johnson Sakaja's commitment to improving healthcare across the city.

"The journey toward better health care and dental care in Nairobi has just begun and soon accessing dental services across the city will no longer be a challenge," he said.

Last week, City Hall conducted a free dental camp at Mukuru Kwa Njenga Hospital which saw at least 800 patients being attended to.

City Hall has also enhanced other facilities across the county.

Mama Lucy Hospital now boasts a dental and maxillofacial centre, while Pumwani Maternity Centre has a newly installed Mother and Clinic Dental Clinic.

Additionally, the Mutuini Hospital dental unit has been refurbished, and Mbagathi Hospital now has an improved dental unit expected to serve Lang'ata and surrounding areas.

For the first time, Mathare North Hospital is home to a dental unit serving the neighbourhood and its wider population.

The Sakaja-led administration has also made strides in boosting the number of dentists available in the county.

Initially, only 10 dentists served Nairobi, covering just four sub-counties.

Currently, 50 more dentists have been hired, bringing the total to 60, who now serve all 17 sub-counties in the city.