Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board

Regulatory authority for medical and dental practitioners in Kenya

Logo of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board

The Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (MPDB) is a statutory body in Kenya responsible for regulating the practice of medicine and dentistry. It ensures that medical and dental practitioners adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. The board is tasked with the registration and licensing of medical and dental practitioners, as well as the accreditation of medical and dental training institutions.

History

The Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board was established under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, Cap 253 of the Laws of Kenya. The board has evolved over the years to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare in Kenya, ensuring that practitioners meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to ethical standards.

Functions

The primary functions of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board include:

• Registration and Licensing: The board is responsible for the registration of medical and dental practitioners. It ensures that only qualified individuals are licensed to practice in Kenya.
• Accreditation: The board accredits medical and dental training institutions to ensure they meet the required standards for training healthcare professionals.
• Professional Conduct: The board monitors the conduct of practitioners and handles disciplinary cases involving professional misconduct.
• Policy Development: The board advises the government on matters related to medical and dental practice and contributes to the development of healthcare policies.

Structure

The board is composed of various committees and departments that handle different aspects of its mandate. These include the Registration and Licensing Committee, the Education and Training Committee, and the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.

Registration Process

To practice medicine or dentistry in Kenya, practitioners must be registered with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board. The registration process involves:

• Submission of academic and professional qualifications.
• Passing a board examination for foreign-trained practitioners.
• Payment of the prescribed registration fee.

Challenges

The board faces several challenges, including:

• Resource Constraints: Limited resources can affect the board's ability to effectively carry out its functions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulations in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
• Technological Advancements: Keeping up with technological changes in medical and dental practice.

Related pages

• Kenya Medical Training College
• Kenya Medical Association
• Healthcare in Kenya