The Kenya National Oral Health Policy 2022–2030

Abstract

The The Kenya National Oral Health Policy (2022 – 2030) highlights the importance of oral health as an integral part of overall health and well-being throughout one's life. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases and conditions affect over 3.5 billion people globally, with dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss remaining prevalent. Oral diseases also have severe personal and economic consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable members of society. Modifiable risk factors for oral diseases overlap with those for other noncommunicable diseases, such as tobacco use and high sugar intake. The text specifically mentions the high oral disease burden in Kenya, which has led to the development of a National Oral Health Policy and Strategic Plan for 2022-2030.