How to Apply for Permanent Registration as a Community Oral Health Practitioner in Kenya

Community Oral Health Practitioners (COHPs) play a vital role in delivering curative, preventive, and promotive dental care across Kenya. To legally practice, professionals must obtain Permanent Registration through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

This guide outlines the full procedure, eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and timelines for registration.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Obtain Application Forms

Applicants must complete the following:

Application for Permanent Registration as a Community Oral Health Practitioner – Form II
Internship Completion Certificate (Medical or Dental)

These forms are available at the KMPDC offices or can be downloaded from the KMPDC website under the “Other Forms” section.

Step 2: Submit Completed Forms and Supporting Documents

Attach all documents listed under the Required Documents section.
Submit the application in person at the KMPDC office. Incomplete applications or missing attachments will not be processed.

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

Registration Fee: Ksh. 8,000
Payments must be made at any KCB branch countrywide to the Council’s account:
- Account Number: 1103158643 (Milimani Branch)
- Swift Code: KCBLKKENX
- Bank Code: 01175

Step 4: Verification of Application

KMPDC officers will review submitted documents.
If discrepancies are found, the application and all documents will be returned for correction before resubmission.
If requirements are met, the application will be registered and the applicant will receive an acknowledgment slip for reference.

Step 5: Additional Information (if required)

KMPDC may request further details. Applicants must provide the information within the stipulated time, otherwise the application may be rejected.

Step 6: Processing and Issuance of Registration Certificate

Once documents are successfully evaluated (within 14 working days), the Council prepares the Community Oral Health Practitioner’s Registration Certificate.
The certificate is valid indefinitely, unless revoked, suspended, or cancelled by the Council.
To collect the certificate, applicants must present an acknowledgment receipt and proof of identity at the KMPDC dispatch office.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following:

Duly completed Form II (Application for Permanent Registration)
Completed Internship Completion Certificate (Medical or Dental)
Copy of National ID or Passport
Recent colored passport-size photograph
Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
Signed and stamped Internship Completion Assessment Forms
Proof of payment of registration fee (Ksh. 8,000)
Any other documents required by KMPDC

Note: The original diploma or degree certificate must be presented before final approval.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be an East African national
Hold a degree or qualification recognized by KMPDC, whether obtained within or outside Kenya/EAC
Provide proof of internship completion (either in Kenya or the country of training)
Demonstrate good moral standing

Validity of Registration

The Community Oral Health Practitioners’ Registration Certificate remains valid indefinitely unless suspended, revoked, or cancelled under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act.

Processing Time

The standard processing period is 14 working days from the date of submission of complete documents.

Why Registration is Important

Registration with KMPDC is mandatory for all Community Oral Health Practitioners in Kenya. Practicing without a valid registration certificate is an offense under Section 22 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act.