Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Dental Surgery

The Bachelor Of Science In Dental Surgery is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in dental surgery. The programme falls under the Health Sciences category and typically spans 5 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Oral Biology, Dental Biomaterials, Restorative Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Pharmacotherapy, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, Clinical Research Management, Disease Surveillance. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Medical Biochemistry, Community and Preventive Dentistry, Human Anatomy, Periodontology and Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Paediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontology. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Dental Surgery pursue careers as Dental Surgeon (Public Health), Private Practice Dentist, Dental Specialist, Dental Surgeon (Hospital). They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 612,000
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 12 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

9 subjects

Oral Biology
Dental Biomaterials
Restorative Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Paediatric Dentistry
Periodontology
Prosthodontics
Community Dentistry

Modules

12 in the programme

Medical Biochemistry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Biochemical processes relevant to oral health — enamel formation, saliva chemistry, and metabolic basis of oral diseases.
Human Anatomy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Complete human anatomy with emphasis on head, neck, and oral cavity — dissection-based learning.
Medical Physiology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Body system functions with emphasis on oral physiology — mastication, salivation, and swallowing.
Oral Biology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Tooth development, oral histology, oral microbiology, and the biology of oral tissues.
Dental Biomaterials
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Properties and uses of dental materials — amalgam, composites, ceramics, cements, and impression materials.
Community and Preventive Dentistry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Oral health promotion, community dental health programmes, epidemiology of oral diseases, and prevention strategies.
Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Diagnosis and treatment of dental caries — fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, and conservative dentistry.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Surgical treatment of oral diseases — extractions, impacted teeth, cysts, jaw fractures, and oral cancer.
Periodontology and Periodontics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases — gingivitis, periodontitis, scaling, and periodontal surgery.
Orthodontics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Diagnosis and correction of tooth alignment and jaw discrepancies — braces, aligners, and functional appliances.
Paediatric Dentistry
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Dental care for children — behaviour management, preventive care, and treatment of paediatric dental conditions.
Prosthodontics
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Replacement of missing teeth — dentures, bridges, implants, and maxillofacial prosthetics.

Specialisations

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Focus on oral surgery, facial trauma, and jaw surgery (MDS Oral Surgery). This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Periodontology
Focus on gum diseases and periodontal surgery (MDS Periodontology). This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Orthodontics
Focus on tooth alignment, braces, and jaw correction (MDS Orthodontics). This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Paediatric Dentistry
Focus on dental care for children and adolescents (MDS Paediatric Dentistry). This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Prosthodontics
Focus on tooth replacement — dentures, bridges, and implants (MDS Prosthodontics). This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

Pre-clinical years involve morning lectures on anatomy, biochemistry, and oral biology, followed by afternoon dissection sessions and laboratory work. Clinical years involve treating patients in the dental clinic — performing examinations, fillings, extractions, root canals, and cleaning teeth under supervision. Students learn to use dental instruments, take X-rays, fabricate dentures, and manage dental emergencies. Outreach programmes to schools and communities provide additional clinical experience. The programme emphasises practical clinical skills from Year 3 onwards.

The trade offs

In its favour

Very high demand — Kenya has a severe shortage of dentists (1 per 100,000 people).
Excellent earning potential in private practice.
Diverse specialisation options — orthodontics, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry, and more.

Against it

Long training — 5 years of study plus 1 year internship before registration.
High tuition fees, especially at private universities.
Clinical work involves exposure to oral fluids and infectious diseases — strict infection control required.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public612k to 612k

612k at University of Nairobi612k at Moi University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 612K, Moi 612K/yr (KUCCPS/fee schedule). Private: none. dental.uonbi.ac.ke

HELB loans and county bursaries are available. The Kenya Dental Association offers limited bursaries. Some dental supply companies offer sponsorships linked to product training.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Kenya Dental Association Bursaries
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies.
FDI World Dental Federation Grant
GrantKsh 200,000
Dental students with research interests in global oral health.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Economically disadvantaged students with academic potential.
KDA Bursary
BursaryKsh 100,000Kenyan
Dental students with academic merit, administered through KDA.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: B+
Alternative entry: KACE/A-Level with two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry and a subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics. Only offered at University of Nairobi in Kenya.

Biology
A-
Chemistry
A-
Physics or Mathematics
B+
English or Kiswahili
B

How you are assessed

5 components

Clinical/Practical Examinations
Clinical35% of the mark
Hands-on clinical exams testing dental procedures — restorative, surgical, and prosthetic techniques.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat15% of the mark
Mid-semester tests, case presentations, and clinical logs.
Community Dentistry Project
Clinical5% of the mark
Community oral health outreach and project report.
Research Project
Research5% of the mark
Final-year research project, presented and defended.
Written Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
End-of-semester written exams on dental theory, biomaterials, and clinical sciences.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). The programme follows the KMPDC BDS Core Curriculum (2022). Graduates must complete a one-year internship at an approved hospital and pass the KMPDC registration examination to be licensed as dental surgeons.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council
Professional accreditationRequired
Statutory body that regulates dental education and practice. Programme follows KMPDC BDS Core Curriculum (2022). Graduates must complete 1-year internship and pass KMPDC registration exam.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Dental Surgeon (Public Health)
Medium demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 250,000
Work with the Ministry of Health on oral health programmes and public dental services.
Private Practice Dentist
High demandKsh 200,000 to Ksh 1,500,000
Run private dental clinics providing comprehensive dental care — restorative, surgical, and cosmetic dentistry.
Dental Specialist
High demandKsh 400,000 to Ksh 1,000,000
After postgraduate specialisation (MDS), practise as a specialist in orthodontics, oral surgery, or other specialities.
Dental Surgeon (Hospital)
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provide dental care in hospital dental departments — diagnosis, treatment, and oral surgery.
Academic/Research Dentist
Medium demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teach in dental schools or conduct oral health research at universities and research institutions.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as dental surgeons in hospitals (KNH Dental Clinic, Aga Khan, Nairobi Hospital), private dental clinics, and the Ministry of Health. Kenya has a severe shortage of dentists — approximately 1 dentist per 100,000 people. Starting salaries range from KES 150,000–250,000, with experienced dental surgeons earning KES 300,000–600,000. Those in private practice can earn KES 500,000–1,500,000+.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

DHIS2
DatabasePrimary
Google Workspace
Cloud
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
KenyaEMR
Medical
R
Analytics
Python
Code
SPSS
Analytics
Microsoft Word
Creative

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Dentistry is just about pulling teeth.
Dentistry involves diagnosis, prevention, restorative treatment, oral surgery, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and management of oral diseases — it's a complex surgical specialty.
Dentists earn less than medical doctors.
Dental surgeons in private practice can earn KES 500,000–1,500,000+, often exceeding many medical doctors' earnings.
Dentistry has limited scope.
Dentistry offers diverse specialisations — oral surgery, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontology, prosthodontics, and oral pathology.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.