Kenya Dental Care Market Analysis

Kenya Dental Care Market Executive Summary

Kenya's Dental Care Market is valued at around $xx Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach $xx Bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. According to the Fourth Schedule of the 2010 Constitution, Kenya's health sector is one of 14 devolved duties administered by the 47 county governments. Some of the health-related duties managed by the 47 counties include county health centres and pharmacies, ambulance services, promoting primary health care, licencing and controlling facilities that sell food to the public, and veterinary services. County referral hospitals, sub-county health facilities, environmental health services, communicable disease management, nutrition, family planning, maternity and child health, and Health Education are examples of county health facilities and services.

Healthcare institutions are classified into six levels. The first five are controlled at the county level, while the sixth is managed at the national level. Patients in this system can advance from one level to the next by using a recommendation letter. At the community level basic treatment facilities are available for citizens for their healthcare concerns regarding Tuberculosis screening, Malaria rapid testing, malnutrition assessment, HIV testing and ante-natal and post-natal care for women and children. The health dispensaries are responsible for providing essential healthcare services and curative treatment but no in-patient services. Health centres are more advanced like small hospitals with minimal facilities and are run by one doctor and health auxiliaries. They offer maternity in-patient services, Dental treatment, Diabetes & hypertension management, and comprehensive care clinics for patients living with HIV. Doctors administer county hospitals and referrals, which provide more extensive services. Mama Lucy Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi both serve as county referral hospitals and Level 4 hospitals. There are three Teaching and Research Referral Hospitals in Kenya: Mathari Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital. These hospitals provide specialised treatments to patients and are not only accessible to Kenyans but also to people from East and Central Africa.

The dental care system in Kenya is generally considered to be inadequate, with a shortage of qualified dentists and limited access to dental care for many people, particularly in rural areas. The public healthcare system provides basic dental services, but the quality of care can be poor and there are often long wait times for appointments. Private dental clinics are available, but they can be expensive and out of reach for many people. Additionally, there is a lack of dental education and awareness in Kenya, which contributes to poor oral health among many people. The Kenya Dental Care Market size is at around $xx Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach $xx Bn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. According to World Health Organization 2020, the prevalence of dental caries is high in Kenya, with 63% of 12-year-olds had experienced dental caries in their permanent teeth. Paediatric dentistry is a very up-and-coming trend for the coverage of dental needs in Kenya.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

The Kenya government has been working to improve access to healthcare, and this may include initiatives to increase access to dental services, which could drive growth in the dental clinic market. As the population grows and becomes more aware of the importance of oral health, the demand for dental services is likely to increase. As incomes rise, more people will be able to afford to pay for dental services, which will drive growth in the dental clinic market. Moving to urban areas also influences the demand and is likely to increase as these areas are more likely to have dental clinics. With increasing awareness of oral health issues and their link to overall health, people are paying more attention to oral health and therefore visiting dental clinics more often. Many rural areas in Kenya have limited access to dental clinics, which can drive demand in urban areas, where dental clinics are more prevalent.

Market Restraints

 Dental clinics struggle to secure funding from investors or financial institutions due to limited profitability in the region, which could limit their ability to expand or upgrade their facilities in the future. Many people in Kenya have limited access to healthcare, and this may also apply to dental services this calls for innovative strategic ideas that disrupt the market and establish a competitive advantage. There is currently a shortage of trained and qualified dental professionals in Kenya, which can make it difficult for dental clinics to attract and retain staff. Dental services can be expensive, and this may be a barrier to access for many in Kenya due to limited coverage and higher out-of-pocket expenses. Some Kenyans struggle with awareness of the importance of oral health, which can limit the demand for dental services in some areas. Limited infrastructure or transportation, makes it difficult for people to access dental clinics. Many Kenyan citizens do not have dental insurance, which could make it difficult for them to afford dental services.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Dental Spa (KEN)
• Dr. Bhole's Dental Clinic
• Nairobi Dental & Orthodontics (KEN)
• Smile Dental Care
• DentalCare (KEN)
• Dental Health Associates
• Dental Solutions (KEN)
• Dental Works (KEN)

Notable Recent Deals

June 2021 - Outspan Hospital receives ISO certification for laboratory services. Outspan Hospital in Nyeri, Kenya, has received the highly desired International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification for its laboratory services. Almost three years after beginning the auditing process, the hospital got accreditation from Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS). Outspan has been delivering high-quality testing for patient diagnosis for years, and 76% of the treatments it offers are now accredited. ISO-certified attributes are internationally recognised standards, and accreditation decreases the hospital's operating costs. This is due to the laboratory settings, equipment, reagents, and employees conforming to ISO standards, which increases patient confidence in the hospital and distinguishes the institution from others in central Kenya.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The national government is responsible for funding counties so that all sectors, including the health department, can function successfully and smoothly. Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL), and National Blood Transfusion Services are also under the control of the National Government. However, at the national level, the Health Cabinet Secretary is the executive leader of the sector, deputised by the Principal Secretary as the ministry's accounting officer, followed by the Director of Medical Services. The Director of Medical Services coordinates and oversees six Health departments, including Preventive and Promotive Health, Curative and Rehabilitation Services, Standards and Quality Assurance, and Regulations. Other divisions include Health Sector Coordination and Intergovernmental Relations. Health Sector Coordination and Inter-Governmental Control, Administrative Services and Policy, Planning, and Health Financing are the other departments. According to the Constitution, the health ministry is responsible for developing suitable measures to ensure the sector functions properly. The ministry is related to Parliament via the Health Departmental Committees of the National Assembly and Senate. The two committees oversee the ministry and also push its agendas for acceptance and enactment in the House once the President signs them into law.

Reimbursement Scenario

In Kenya, dental insurance is typically offered as part of a larger medical insurance policy. Public dental insurance is provided by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) for those who are members, but it does not cover all dental procedures and may have limited coverage. Private dental insurance is available through private insurance companies, but it is not as common as private medical insurance. The companies that offer dental coverage are - Saham Assurance, First Assurance, Madison Insurance, Britam, NHIF, Sanlam, Minet, APA Insurance, and AAR Insurance. Office of the Auditor General coverage for healthcare services in Kenya. Some employers may offer dental insurance as a benefit to their employees. Overall, dental insurance coverage in Kenya is limited, and many people pay out of pocket for dental care.