Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in dental technology. The programme falls under the Health Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Dental Anatomy and Morphology, Dental Materials Science, Complete and Partial Denture Technology, Crown and Bridge Technology, Orthodontic Technology, CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Research Methods and Research Project, Dental Materials Science, Dental Laboratory Management, Safety and Ethics, Dental Laboratory Equipment and Techniques, Orthodontic Technology. 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 CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry, Maxillofacial and Implant Prosthetics, Crown and Bridge and Ceramic Technology. 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 Technology pursue careers as Dental Technologist / Dental Laboratory Technologist, CAD/CAM Dental Technologist, Dental Laboratory Manager, Dental Technology Educator / Lecturer. 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: 4 years
Private, up to: Ksh 180,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Dental Anatomy and Morphology
Dental Materials Science
Complete and Partial Denture Technology
Crown and Bridge Technology
Orthodontic Technology
CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry
Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Implant Prosthetics
Dental Laboratory Management and Quality Control
Dental Laboratory Safety and Infection Control
Research Methods and Professional Ethics

Modules

10 in the programme

Dental Anatomy and Morphology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Tooth morphology, dental anatomy, occlusion, tooth development, dental tissues, enamel, dentine, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament, oral anatomy, and supporting dental anatomy and morphology.
Dental Materials Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Waxes, plasters, investment materials, dental stones, acrylic resins, denture base resins, composite resins, dental ceramics, porcelain, zirconia, dental metals, cobalt-chromium, gold alloys, titan...
Complete and Partial Denture Technology
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Complete dentures, acrylic dentures, partial dentures, RPD, framework design, surveying, clasps, rests, connectors, denture processing, flasking, packing, curing, deflasking, finishing, polishing, ...
Crown and Bridge Technology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Full metal crowns, PFM, all-ceramic crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, bridges, FPD, abutment preparation, die preparation, margin design, waxing, spruing, investing, casting, burnout, ceramic applic...
Orthodontic Technology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Orthodontic appliances, removable appliances, functional appliances, retainers, Hawley, Essix, expansion screws, springs, wires, stainless steel, TMA, NiTi, archwires, brackets, bands, wire bending...
CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Digital impressions, intraoral scanners, digital design, CAD software, CAM milling, 3D printing, dental printing, digital workflows, and supporting CAD/CAM and digital dentistry.
Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Implant Prosthetics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Facial prosthetics, ocular, orbital, nasal, auricular prostheses, silicone facial prostheses, obturators, surgical splints, radiation shields, stents, implant abutments, implant crowns, implant bri...
Dental Laboratory Management, Safety and Ethics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Laboratory management, administration, quality control, laboratory safety, infection control, cross-contamination prevention, sterilisation, disinfection, equipment maintenance, KMPDC regulations, ...
Dental Laboratory Equipment and Techniques
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Dental lathes, casting machines, ceramic furnaces, porcelain ovens, ultrasonic cleaners, model trimmers, vibrators, vacuum mixers, denture flasks, pressure pots, light curing units, and supporting ...
Research Methods and Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, biostatistics, research ethics, scientific writing, KMPDC regulations, independent research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry
Focuses on digital impressions, CAD design, CAM milling, and 3D printing in dental technology. 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.
Orthodontic Technology
Concentrates on orthodontic appliance fabrication, retainers, and functional appliances. 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.
Prosthodontic Technology
Focuses on complete and partial dentures, denture design, and removable 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.
Maxillofacial and Implant Prosthetics
Focuses on facial prosthetics, obturators, surgical splints, and implant-supported prostheses. 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.
Crown and Bridge and Ceramic Technology
Specialises in fixed prostheses including crowns, bridges, veneers, and ceramic restorations. 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

A typical day starts with morning lectures on dental anatomy, materials science, or prosthodontic technology, followed by laboratory practicals in the dental technology lab. Students wax up teeth, fabricate dentures, cast crowns and bridges, apply ceramics, bend orthodontic wires, use CAD/CAM systems, operate dental lathes and casting machines, practise digital design, and work on their research project. Laboratory practicals at university dental labs and attachments at KNH dental department, private dental laboratories, and dental clinics provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand — dental care expansion, implant dentistry, and CAD/CAM technology create demand for skilled dental technologists.
Precision craftsmanship — dental technology combines science with artistic precision, offering a satisfying hands-on career.
Technology-driven — CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and digital dentistry are transforming the field, offering opportunities to work with advanced technology.

Against it

Niche field — dental technology is a specialised field with fewer positions compared to broader health sciences.
Equipment and material costs — dental laboratory equipment and materials are expensive, limiting independent practice.
Limited public awareness — dental technology is less well-known than dentistry, which can affect career visibility.

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

Private180k to 180k

180k at Mount Kenya University180k at Mount Kenya 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

MKU 180,000/yr (KUCCPS 2025). Only MKU offers BSc Dental Technology.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, dental company sponsorships, and international dental technology scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Dental Company Sponsorships
SponsorshipKsh 150,000
Dental material and equipment companies may sponsor dental technology students.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Dental Technology from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant dental laboratory experience is advantageous.

Biology or Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C
Mathematics or Physics
C

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering dental anatomy, materials science, prosthodontic technology, crown and bridge, orthodontics, and laboratory management.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, and laboratory reports throughout each semester.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent dental technology research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Laboratory Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of practical competencies including denture fabrication, crown and bridge work, ceramic application, orthodontic appliance fabrication, and CAD/CAM design.
Dental Laboratory Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of dental laboratory attachment including fabrication work, supervisor evaluation, and attachment report.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) registers dental technologists. Dental laboratory standards and infection control regulations apply.

Accredited by

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council
ProfessionalRequired
KMPDC registers dental technologists and regulates dental technology practice in Kenya.
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Dental Technologist / Dental Laboratory Technologist
Medium demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000
Designs, fabricates, and repairs dental prostheses including crowns, bridges, and dentures at dental laboratories or hospital dental departments registered with KMPDC.
CAD/CAM Dental Technologist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Uses digital impressions, CAD software, and CAM milling to design and fabricate dental prostheses at modern dental laboratories or digital dentistry centres.
Dental Laboratory Manager
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 170,000
Manages dental laboratory operations, oversees quality control, supervises technologists, and manages client relationships.
Dental Technology Educator / Lecturer
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Teaches dental technology at universities or medical training colleges, conducts research, and supervises student practicals.
Orthodontic Technologist
Medium demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 140,000
Fabricates orthodontic appliances, retainers, and functional appliances at orthodontic practices or dental laboratories.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as dental technologists and dental laboratory technologists. Dental technology is in medium demand driven by growing dental care needs. Salaries range from KES 60,000 to 150,000 per month. Dental laboratories, public hospitals, private dental clinics, dental schools, and dental material companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Stethoscope
Medical equipmentPrimary
Primary diagnostic tool.
KenyaEMR
Health is
Electronic medical records.
Surgical Instruments
Medical equipmentPrimary
Surgical tools and equipment.
Laparoscopic Equipment
Medical equipment
Minimally invasive surgery systems.
PACS
Imaging systemPrimary
Picture Archiving and Communication System.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Dental technology is the same as dentistry.
Dental technologists design and fabricate dental prostheses and appliances in laboratories based on dentists' prescriptions. Dentists diagnose, treat, and interact with patients directly. They are complementary but distinct professions.
Dental technologists just make dentures.
Dental technologists fabricate crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontic appliances, maxillofacial prosthetics, implant prosthetics, and use CAD/CAM technology. It's a highly skilled technical profession.
There are limited career opportunities for dental technologists in Kenya.
Growing dental care demand, expanding dental clinics, dental schools, implant dentistry, and CAD/CAM technology create opportunities at dental laboratories, hospitals, dental clinics, and dental material companies.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.