Health Sciences

Master of Dental Surgery (Paediatric Dentistry)

The Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Nairobi is a postgraduate programme offered through the Department of Dental Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The programme trains dental surgeons in specialised paediatric dental care, addressing the critical shortage of paediatric dental specialists in Kenya where the specialist-to-patient ratio stands at approximately 1:1.5 million paediatric patients.

The programme covers the scientific basis of paediatric dental care, the relationship of paediatric dentistry to other dental disciplines, diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with advanced paediatric dental problems, and clinical treatment and management. Students develop advanced skills in managing dental conditions in children, including those with special healthcare needs.

The curriculum consists of coursework, clinical work, practicals, research projects, tutorials, seminars, and journal discussions across three parts. Part 1 covers the first year, Part 2 the second year, and Part 3 the third year, with all courses being compulsory. The programme combines theoretical foundations with extensive clinical training.

Admission requires a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nairobi or its equivalent from an institution approved by the University Senate. Candidates must be registrable with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council and have at least two years of working experience in clinical dentistry, including one year post-internship.

The programme is offered on a full-time basis over a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years, with intakes in September each year. Clinical training takes place at the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital and affiliated teaching hospitals, providing exposure to a wide range of paediatric dental cases.

Graduates are prepared for specialised clinical practice in paediatric dentistry, academic positions in dental schools, and leadership roles in paediatric dental services. The programme directly contributes to improving paediatric oral healthcare in Kenya and the East African region.

Skills Required

Paediatric dental diagnosis and treatment planning
Advanced restorative techniques for children
Management of dental trauma in children
Sedation and behaviour management in paediatric dentistry
Treatment of children with special healthcare needs
Preventive paediatric dentistry
Paediatric oral surgery
Interceptive orthodontics
Research methods in dental sciences
Paediatric dental emergency management

Key Subjects

Scientific Basis of Paediatric Dental Care
Paediatric Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Advanced Restorative Dentistry for Children
Dental Trauma Management
Behaviour Management and Sedation in Paediatric Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry for Children
Paediatric Oral Surgery
Interceptive Orthodontics
Special Needs Dentistry
Research Methods in Dental Sciences

Certifications

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) Registration
Kenya Dental Association (KDA) Membership
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) Membership

Specializations

Advanced Restorative Dentistry for Children

Focuses on advanced restorative techniques for primary and young permanent teeth, including aesthetic restorations, crowns, and pulp therapy in paediatric patients.

Dental Trauma Management

Specialises in the management of dental trauma in children, including avulsed teeth, fractures, and luxation injuries, with emphasis on emergency care and follow-up.

Behaviour Management and Sedation

Develops skills in behaviour management techniques and pharmacological sedation for paediatric dental patients, including those with anxiety and special healthcare needs.

Special Needs Dentistry

Focuses on dental care for children with special healthcare needs, including those with medical conditions, disabilities, and developmental disorders.

Preventive Paediatric Dentistry

Covers preventive strategies including fluoride therapy, sealants, dietary counselling, and early childhood caries prevention programmes.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Examines early orthodontic intervention in children, including space management, crossbite correction, and habit interception during the mixed dentition stage.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 382,000
Private, up to: Ksh 0
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 10 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Scientific Basis of Paediatric Dental Care
Paediatric Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Advanced Restorative Dentistry for Children
Dental Trauma Management
Behaviour Management and Sedation in Paediatric Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry for Children
Paediatric Oral Surgery
Interceptive Orthodontics
Special Needs Dentistry
Research Methods in Dental Sciences

Modules

12 in the programme

Scientific Basis of Paediatric Dental Care
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers the scientific foundations of paediatric dentistry, including craniofacial growth and development, oral biology, and the pathophysiology of paediatric dental conditions.
Paediatric Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Develops advanced diagnostic skills for paediatric dental patients, including clinical examination, radiographic interpretation, and comprehensive treatment planning for children.
Advanced Restorative Dentistry for Children
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers advanced restorative techniques for primary and young permanent teeth, including aesthetic restorations, stainless steel crowns, and pulp therapy.
Dental Trauma Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines the management of dental trauma in children, including avulsed teeth, fractures, luxation injuries, and emergency care protocols.
Behaviour Management and Sedation in Paediatric Dentistry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Covers behaviour management techniques and pharmacological sedation methods for paediatric dental patients, including communication strategies and conscious sedation protocols.
Preventive Dentistry for Children
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Examines preventive strategies in paediatric dentistry, including fluoride therapy, fissure sealants, dietary counselling, and early childhood caries prevention.
Paediatric Oral Surgery
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Covers surgical procedures in paediatric dental patients, including extractions, supernumerary teeth management, and oral pathology in children.
Special Needs Dentistry
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Focuses on dental care for children with special healthcare needs, including those with medical conditions, disabilities, and developmental disorders.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Year 3Semester 53 creditsCore
Examines early orthodontic intervention in children, including space management, crossbite correction, and habit interception during the mixed dentition stage.
Research Methods in Dental Sciences
Year 3Semester 53 creditsCore
Introduces research methodologies for dental sciences research, covering study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and research ethics in clinical dental research.
Clinical Paediatric Dentistry Practicum
Year 3Semester 56 creditsCore
Supervised clinical practicum providing hands-on experience in managing complex paediatric dental cases, including treatment of patients with special healthcare needs.
Research Thesis
Year 3Semester 612 creditsCore
An original research thesis in paediatric dentistry, demonstrating mastery of research methods and contributing to paediatric dental knowledge and practice.

Specialisations

Advanced Restorative Dentistry for Children
Focuses on advanced restorative techniques for primary and young permanent teeth, including aesthetic restorations, crowns, and pulp therapy in paediatric patients.
Dental Trauma Management
Specialises in the management of dental trauma in children, including avulsed teeth, fractures, and luxation injuries, with emphasis on emergency care and follow-up.
Behaviour Management and Sedation
Develops skills in behaviour management techniques and pharmacological sedation for paediatric dental patients, including those with anxiety and special healthcare needs.
Special Needs Dentistry
Focuses on dental care for children with special healthcare needs, including those with medical conditions, disabilities, and developmental disorders.
Preventive Paediatric Dentistry
Covers preventive strategies including fluoride therapy, sealants, dietary counselling, and early childhood caries prevention programmes.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Examines early orthodontic intervention in children, including space management, crossbite correction, and habit interception during the mixed dentition stage.

A day as a student

A typical day for a Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry student at UoN combines morning lectures on paediatric oral diagnosis, growth and development, or advanced restorative techniques with afternoon clinical sessions at the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital. Students manage paediatric dental cases under supervision, performing examinations, restorative procedures, and behaviour management techniques. Seminars and journal discussions keep students engaged with current research in paediatric dentistry. Research project work and thesis preparation are integrated throughout the programme, with the final year focused on thesis completion and defence.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme addresses Kenya's severe shortage of paediatric dental specialists, with a ratio of approximately 1:1.5 million paediatric patients, creating excellent career prospects.
The programme is offered at Kenya's premier dental training institution with well-established clinical facilities at the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital.
Graduates are eligible for KMPDC specialist registration, enabling them to practise as specialised paediatric dental surgeons in Kenya.

Against it

The programme requires a BDS degree plus two years of clinical experience, making it accessible only to qualified dental surgeons with prior experience.
The total programme cost of KES 1,076,000 over three years is a significant financial investment for most dental practitioners.
The programme is offered only at UoN and requires full-time commitment over three years, which may be challenging for practising dentists.

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

Public332k to 382k

332k at University of Nairobi (Year 2)382k at University of Nairobi (Year 1)

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 Y1 382K, Y2 332K, Y3 362K/yr (dental.uonbi.ac.ke). No private provider.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, UoN internal postgraduate scholarships, and sponsorship through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council for dental professionals seeking specialised training.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Scholarships
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
Students demonstrating academic merit and financial need at the University of Nairobi, subject to availability.
KMPDC Specialist Training Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 1,076,000Kenyan
Dental practitioners may receive sponsorship from KMPDC or employer institutions for specialised paediatric dental training to address specialist shortages.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Candidates must be registrable with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and have at least two years of working experience in clinical dentistry, including one year post-internship. Equivalent BDS qualifications from institutions approved by the UoN Senate are accepted.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework25% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, case presentations, and journal discussions throughout each semester.
Clinical Practicum Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of clinical competencies during supervised paediatric dental practice, including case management, treatment procedures, and patient care.
End-of-Year Examinations
Exam25% of the mark
Written and clinical examinations at the end of each academic year, testing mastery of paediatric dental theory and clinical skills.
Research Thesis
Project20% of the mark
An original research thesis in paediatric dentistry, demonstrating research competence and contribution to paediatric dental knowledge, defended in the final year.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The University of Nairobi is a CUE-chartered public university. Graduates must be registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to practise as specialised paediatric dental surgeons.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan university programmes. The University of Nairobi is a CUE-chartered public university.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Professional registrationRequired
Statutory body regulating medical and dental practitioners in Kenya. Graduates must be registered with KMPDC as specialists to practise as paediatric dental surgeons.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Paediatric Dental Specialist
High demandKsh 250,000 to Ksh 600,000
Provides specialised paediatric dental care in private practice, hospitals, or dental clinics, managing complex dental conditions in children.
Dental School Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 350,000
Teaches paediatric dentistry at dental schools, combining academic instruction with clinical supervision and research.
Hospital Paediatric Dentist
High demandKsh 180,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides paediatric dental services in hospital settings, managing dental conditions in children with medical conditions and special healthcare needs.
Public Health Dental Officer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 280,000
Develops and implements paediatric oral health programmes for government agencies, NGOs, or international health organisations.
Dental Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 300,000
Conducts research on paediatric oral health issues at research institutions, universities, or international health organisations.
Dental Clinic Manager
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 350,000
Manages specialised paediatric dental clinics, combining clinical practice with healthcare administration and service development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue specialised clinical practice in paediatric dentistry, academic positions in dental schools, and leadership roles in paediatric dental services across Kenya and East Africa.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Dental Practice Management Software
SoftwarePrimary
Practice management software for managing paediatric dental patient records, appointments, treatment planning, and clinical documentation.
Dental Radiography Systems
EquipmentPrimary
Digital radiography and imaging systems for paediatric dental diagnosis, including intraoral and panoramic imaging.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for dental research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice in paediatric dentistry.
UpToDate
Software
Clinical decision support resource providing evidence-based dental and medical information for paediatric dental practice.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources and producing academic citations in dental research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Paediatric dentistry is just general dentistry for children.
Paediatric dentistry requires specialised training in child psychology, growth and development, behaviour management, and treatment of complex dental conditions specific to children, including those with special healthcare needs.
There is limited demand for paediatric dental specialists in Kenya.
Kenya has a severe shortage of paediatric dental specialists with a ratio of approximately 1:1.5 million paediatric patients, creating significant demand for trained specialists.
General dentists can handle all paediatric dental cases.
Complex cases involving dental trauma, congenital anomalies, special needs patients, and advanced restorative procedures in children require specialised paediatric dental training.
The programme is only for those who want to work with children exclusively.
Graduates work in diverse settings including dental schools, hospitals, private practice, and public health programmes, often combining paediatric specialist practice with teaching and research.
Paediatric dentistry has limited career growth compared to other dental specialisations.
The growing recognition of paediatric oral health's importance and the severe specialist shortage create excellent career prospects for graduates in both public and private sectors.