How to Apply for the Dental Internship Qualifying Examination in Kenya (For Foreign-Trained Dentists)

Foreign-trained dentists who wish to practice in Kenya must sit for the Dental Internship Qualifying Examination, administered by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). This exam ensures that all practitioners meet the required professional and ethical standards before commencing internship training in approved facilities.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

1. Collect the Application Form

Obtain the Application for Internship Qualifying Examination (Form XXIII) from the KMPDC offices.
Alternatively, download the form from the KMPDC website under the “Other Forms” section.

2. Complete and Submit the Application

Fill out the application form accurately.
Attach all required documents (see list below).
Submit your application in person at the KMPDC offices or via email: [email protected] before the registration deadline.

3. Pay the Applicable Fees

Your application must be accompanied by proof of payment for:

Application fee: Ksh. 5,000
Examination/Evaluation of qualification papers: Ksh. 30,000

Bank Payment Details

Bank: KCB, Milimani Branch
Account Number: 1103158643
Swift Code: KCBLKKENX
Bank Code: 01175

4. Verification and Acknowledgement

The KMPDC will review your documents for completeness.
If discrepancies are found, your application will be returned for correction.
Once accepted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment slip/email for reference.

5. Examination Process

Successful applicants will be issued an Examination Card and a timetable.
The written exam (3 hours) is held at the Council’s premises.
The practical/clinical exam is usually conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (Medical) or the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital.
To pass, candidates must achieve 50% overall, with at least 50% in Clinicals.
Results are typically released within two weeks of the exam.

6. After the Examination

Successful candidates must apply for a Medical Practitioners Internship License, after which they will be posted by the Ministry of Health to internship centers.
Unsuccessful candidates are allowed up to three attempts. Appeals may be sent to the Council Chairperson via [email protected].

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

Completed Form XXIII.
Certified copy of ID/Passport.
One recent colored passport photo.
Certified copies of professional certificates.
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
High school certificate (Form IV/VI).
Proof of attachment at a Council-approved training institution (minimum 4 months).
Proof of English and/or Kiswahili proficiency (for non-Kenyans).
Letter from the Commission for University Education (CUE) confirming recognition of the foreign dental school.
ECFMG verification form (for foreign-trained applicants).
Evidence of registration with relevant EAC partner state councils (if applying for reciprocal recognition).
Proof of payment of fees (Ksh. 5,000 + Ksh. 30,000).

⚠️ Note: Original degree certificates, IDs, and passports must be presented for verification before submission.

Eligibility

Open to foreign-trained dentists who have completed undergraduate dental training at a recognized institution outside Kenya.

Validity of Internship

Upon passing the exam, candidates undergo 12 months of internship training, plus one month of paid leave.

Processing Time

Examination results are released within 2 weeks of sitting the exams.

Additional Information

Internship Training Structure

Interns rotate across the following specialties:

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – 11 weeks
Prosthetics & Conservative Dentistry – 11 weeks
Periodontology – 11 weeks
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – 11 weeks
Community Dentistry (weekly practice throughout internship, totaling 416 hours)

Interns must also complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements, earning 50 CPD points annually by uploading their internship completion certificate to the Integrated CPD system.

Responsibilities of Dental Interns

Clerking patients and conducting investigations.
Explaining diagnoses and treatments to patients and families.
Documenting and updating medical notes.
Participating in CPD activities.
Handing over patients professionally.
Consulting supervisors and adhering to professional ethics.
Writing clear case summaries and performing duties as assigned.

KMPDC Contact Information

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) – Head Office
Woodlands Rd, Hurlingham, Nairobi.
P.O. Box 44893 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254-727-666-444 / +254-111-052-222
Email: [email protected]
Website: KMPDC Official Website