It is a great truth that each great venture no matter how vast, begins with one stroke and ends with one blow. This timeless wisdom reminds us that progress whether personal growth or professional success is built step by step.

 The fIrst step sets the journey in motion while the last marks its completion proving that no matter how big the task is everyone can complete it with constant effort. To mark the end of this journey, MKUDESA held its inaugural fInalist dinner to celebrate the class of 2024 for their great milestones and achievement in their academic journey. The event was generously sponsored by Oral Health Association of Kenya and Pine Dental consultants. 

The chief guests of the event were OHAK offIcials and CEO Pine Dental Consultants. The guests acknowledged the fInal year students for enduring the challenges that come within the journey and also provided invaluable insights to the students. Mr. Ndunu Chege who serves in the capacity of Treasurer at OHAK talked about issues regarding internship for oral health offIcers while Mr. Anyona the secretary talked about OHAK membership registration and all the prerequisites of registration. The CEO Pine Dental consultants Chrispine Mutune encouraged the students to continue growing themselves academically and briefLy talked about the job market 

On the 20th of March every year the world comes together for a common course which is to celebrate world oral health day. It is during this time that dental practitioners all over the world celebrate the milestones that have been achieved in the dental industry in response to promote good oral health all over the world. 

Various dental organisations take this opportunity to create awareness to the members of the society, educate and also donate oral hygiene essentials. To mark this special day, MKU Dental Students Association {MKUDESA} was privileged to not only partner with but also host the Oral Health Association of Kenya {OHAK} in order to commorate this day through organizing a sensitization walk along the streets of Thika town. 

The event was not only to impact the students and staff of MKU but also the surrounding communities. Other partners on board included sensodyne, listerine mouth wash and Ezzy toothpaste. The event kicked off at 10am, starting with the awareness walk.The students, lecturers and some school stuff were accompanied from school all the way to town and back by the school band and security team who ensured the safety of the people in attendance. 

After a successful walk, we had a small briefIng at the Auditorium just to make the attendees be more vast with the day we had speeches from the OHAK representatives, MKUDESA patron Mr.Kangogo, HOD Dr. Waweru and MKUDESA executives. We then proceeded to education and diagnosis of patients from both inside and outside the school. The event continued upto around 4pm when we had the closing ceremony.The event was a great success so to say. 

The event was featured on TV47 and as an association we are proud of the progress we are making since the birth of MKUDESA in the year 2021. We would like to appreciate the school for giving us the platform to host such an event. We would also like to appreciate the entire dental fraternity for the support and trust they’ve bestowed on the association.We cannot fail to mention the father of MKUDESA, our patron, Mr Joseph Kangogo for always standing with us through thick and thin to ensure all our events are beyond successful 

The annual dental camp organized by MKUDESA was an inspiring and impacttful event that highlighted the importance of oral health and showcased the dedication of students who volunteered in various capacities to te future profession. 

The camp was meticulously planned and executed by th executive committee providing much needed yet inaccessible dental care and education to people. From the moment the camp began, the volunteers enthuasiasm was evident, they transformed the venue into a fully functional dental clinic complete with creening stations, treatment areas and oral health education booths. 

The turn out was impressive with a total of 250 people which included 180 check-up, 21 extractions, 9 cases of tooth fIlling and 40 referrals of complex cases. One of the fascinating aspect of the camp was the comprehensive approach that was taken, that did not only focus on the diag nosis and treatment of the existing dental condition, but placed a strong emphasis on prevention and oral health education. Oral health educators tooth their time to engage the attendees answering questions, dispelling myths and proviing personalized dental advice based on personal needs By the end of the day, it was clear that the dental camp had made a lasting impact, not only addressing immediate dental needs but also planted the seed for long term oral health attendees in te community. 

Special thanks to our invaluable sponsors; Colget Palmolive campany and Pine Dental Consultants for their generous support through provision of tooth paste, consumable dental materials and instru ments used during the camp. MKUDESA Patron and Camp Volunteers. Check up officer and a patient Oral diagnosis volunteer We are not forgetting the efforts of our department right from the HOD to our esteemed patron. They have shown great concerns in our projects and as the dental association we are way beyond grateful.

“ The future starts now” 

The fIrst inaguaral career talk for dental students was a captivating and enlightening event offering a wealth of insights into diverse opportunities in the fIeld of dentistry. The session was lead by a panel of seasoned dentist, Dental Technologists and oral health offIcer, each with unique career path ranging from clinical practice to career research. 

The keynote speakers were Dr. Maronga, Mr. Mitugo, Mr. Kangogo, Mr. Raj and Mr. Chrispine. The area addressed with each speakers included scope of practice, dental Industrial attachment, recent technological advancement in dentistry and career progression respectivetly. The students were engaged through asking thoughtful questions and seeking advice how to navigate their own career path. By the end, the students were left feeling inspired and mre confIdent about their understanding of the vast possibilities that lies ahea in their dental career. 

“Floss of victory: The ultimate dental challenge” The annual contest featured a series of challenging rounds designed to test every aspect of dental education. Every level of study from second year to fourth years were well represented. The main purpose of organzing the ental contest was to encourage the spirit of research and critical thinking among the students acknowledg ing the prime role research in coming up with solution to various health problem. The contest began with a rapid quick fIre question round where the competitors demonstrated their mastery of dental content. The event concluded with an award ceremony where top performers were gifted. Recognition certifIcate were given to all the people that participated in this years annual contest.  

“ GAME ON; LET THE FUN BEGIN” 

The game night organized by MKUDESA in partnership with MKULSA and CLISMA was nothing short of spectacular, pro viding the students with much needed break from their rigorous studies. As soon as the doors of Alumni rooftop was opened, the atmosphere was fIlled with excitement and anticipation. The venue was beautifully arranged. The evening kicked off with students interacting with each other through playing various board games, this allowed even serious students to loosen up and get into the spirit of the game.

 The end of the event was marked with smiles not just becuase of the games but becuase the event fostered a sense of comradeship and fun. The game night was a resounding success providing perfect bleed of relaxtion, competition and laughter for the attendees The association looks forward to having such activities to enhance social interation among students accross all divides in the department.

                         “Play is not just about having fun, but about taking risk, esperimenting and testing boundaries” 

It is a custom of MKUDESA to hold its annual general assembly at beginning of every academic year. This year’s AGM exceeded all expectation by delivering a dynamic and engaging that left attendees inspired and motivated. From insight ful presentations to spirited discussion, every element of the event was executed with precision and passion. These included inauguration of new executive, website and magazine launch 

MAGAZINE LAUNCH

 The magazine launch was an outstanding success, it captivated the audience from start to the end leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. The dedication of the editorial team was evident in every detail varying from quality of content, the design and innovative approach it took. It was a standout moment that set a new standard for our publication and highlight ed our commitment to excellence. It was our pleasure to recieve countless positive reviews from both the students and general publics.

 WEBSITE LAUNCH 

The launch of MKUDESA mini-website was nothing short of fascinating capturing everyone’s attention with it’s sleek design, intuitive user experience and innovative features which perfectly showcased the vision and commitment of MKUDESA to excellence making it an instant standout. The developer team led by Kevin Wariaga explained how the website had seamlessly integrated content and technology offering students with easy access to reading aid materials, information about the association , dental courses offered as well as platform for students to showcase their talents. This launch marked a signifIcant milestone being the fIrst association to launch its website setting stage for future growth and engagement.

 INAUGURATION

 The inauguration of our newly elected leaders was a momentous occasion with sense of history, hope and resilience. The ceremony was not just a formal handover of responsibilities but a celebration of the promise of brighter future under new leadership. The atmosphere was electric charged with collective sense of pride and optimism evoked with deep emotional response exhilarating moment that underscored the weight of the responsibilities being assumed by the new leader. The symbolism of the moment was further enhanced by presence of distinguished guest including the patron, lecturers and outgoing executive leaders that witnessed this signifIcant transition of power 

This activity was organized to celebrate the world oral health day which is marked on 20th March every year, The event took place at Otto Hoffman children’s home which houses 70 children.

 The aim of the organizing the outreach was to give back to the community as well promote oral health awareness amongst the students. The event was themed “ sharing a heart of compassion”,

 our desire was to put a smile on the face of the children’s through interacting with them on various aspect. It was extremely heartwarming when the dental students’ took ownership of the initiative and provided their support in terms of money, clothing, foot ware and other accessories. 

45 members of the association went to the place to represent the larger dental fraternity. The money that was collected from the students, lecturers and MKUDESA associates were used to purchase food stuff, non-food stuff and other personal effects. Some cash was handed to the their coordinator to assist in purchasing any other thing the children might be in need of. The children were take through the right teeth brushing technique which was demonstrated to them by Ann Makena, this would help them in ensuring they take good care of their oral health. Other activities undertake included outdoor games such as foot ball, team building activities and helping them with splitting their cooking logs 

This was the first ever dental research competition to be held in the university. The event was themed

 “ A generation of researchers, critical thinkers and innovators” 

The main purpose of the dental contest was to ignite the spirit of research and critical thinking among dental students due to acknowledgement of the prime role of research in coming up with solution to various health problems. In addition research also helps to broaden the knowledge of an individual due to discovery of new helpful information that would add to their knowledge of dentistry

 The competition was carried out in two rounds as indicated below; Level one-A research topics (based on each level of study) were given to all the interested participants from both oral health and dental technology and were given a period of one week to do research and thereafter present their written findings for evaluation by the lecturers. 12 students qualified for the 2nd round of the competition. Level two– This was the 2nd and final round of the competition which was held physically on 27th February 2023 where all the participant did an oral presentation of their research finding.

 The audience were given opportunity to cross examine the contestants before determination of winners by the judges. The winners in each category (1st, 2nd &3rd year) were awarded. All the 12 participants who made it to the final round were awarded with certificates of participation. 

T his was the first dental camp organized by the association, the camp was held on 14th October 2023 to climax the oral health awareness campaign that ended on 13th October. The event took place at chancellors towers ground within the university vicinity. The event was themed “Take charge of your oral health” The purpose of organizing the dental camp was to impart the MKU fraternity ( students, teaching and non-teaching staff) with knowledge concerning oral health. Some of the activities that were undertaken included free dental check-up, free consultation and basic dental procedures such as extraction.

 People who required advanced procedures such as root canal treatment, filling, masking, scaling etc. that could not be performed at the camp was referred to Sunset dental clinic. In order to realize full objective and sole purpose of the dental camp, the association partnered with Sunset dental clinic. The post camp analysis that was done showed that many people who were screened presented with the following dental problem: exposed dentine due to erosion of the enamel, carious teeth, plague, mild and severe fluorosis, impacted 3rd molar, pericoronitis, inflamed gums and teeth malocclusion. The executive committee did not leave the work unfinished because our aim was not just to diagnose the problem but to help find solve the problem, therefore the association entered into an agreement with sunset dental clinic to reduce the cost of all advanced procedures for the referred patient by a half for the next 2 weeks after the dental camp. 

INSIGHT FROM ONE OF THE BENEFICIARIES. 

“ my anterior teeth had severe fluorosis and therefore upon check-up masking was recommended for my case alongside full mouth scaling. In total I was supposed to pay Ksh 8500 to facilitate my treatment, but due to the partnership of MKUDESA and sunset dental clinic I only paid Ksh 4500 for all the services. Am happy I was among the beneficiary of this noble partnership that sought to help people in the society affordably access dental services” 

Jackson– MKU student 

The AGM was organized on 15th September 2022 at the Indoor Arena. The main purpose of organizing the AGM was to create an avenue where students and lecturers would have an interactive session of addressing issues of concern affecting the Students The event was attended by lecturers, executive committee members and the dental students. 

The chief guest was the head of department Mr. Lawrence Mbogo who delivered his speech addressing various issues that the department was putting in place to solve the various challenges students were experiencing. These included hiring a specialist in restorative dentistry, setting up of new dental clinic to used by oral health students for their practical sessions.

 Various committees including the secretariat, treasury, organizing and media committee submitted their report which were read to the members present. The chairperson gave a speech on the progress and the long term plan of the association.

 The vice-chairperson took the stage thereafter and urged the students to find pride in the association and register themselves as members so that together we can grow the association. 

Acknowledging the importance of empowering each other, MKUDESA through its executive has organized a series of mentorship programme for newly admitted student after their admission to the university. So far four mentorship programme have been done as listed below.

•  May 2022 intake.

•  September 2022 intake

•  January 2023 intake

•  May 2023 intake

The idea of mentorship hub was founded on the following pillars; career guidance, support, coaching, advice, motivation and engagement

Career understanding

One of the objective of mentorship program was to have an avenue where the students could be explained to clearly what dental technology and oral health courses entailed and their scope of practice in the filed of dentistry at large. This was after noting that many students admitted into the respective courses could not clearly define what course involved raising uncertainty and confusion amongst themselves.

This helped to clear any misunderstanding the students might had and ensure their mind is set right before starting their classes.

support corner

One of the objective of mentorship program was to have an avenue where the students could be explained to clearly what dental technology and oral health courses entailed and their scope of practice in the filed of dentistry at large. This was after noting that many students admitted into the respective courses could not clearly define what course involved raising uncertainty and confusion amongst themselves.

This helped to clear any misunderstanding the students might had and ensure their mind is set right before starting their classes. Apart from career guidance, the students are normally taken through how to create MKU student E-mail, the technical team are always ready to intervene in case where a students have trouble with the process. The students are also taken through how to register and confirm the units online via students’ portal. The students are taken through the objectives of the association and encouraged to register as members. They are also taken through the structure of university examination as well as do’s and don'ts during exam period. The importance of study groups is also emphasized. 

A come together game night was organized on 23rd September 2023. The main purpose of organizing the event was create an avenue where dental students’ can meet and interact with each other while having fun therefore, enhancing social interaction. The indoor games that were played encompassed board games such as chess, monopoly, scrabble, snakes and ladder. Other games were card, Jenga and Play station.

“Play is not just about having fun but about taking risk, experimenting and testing boundaries”

World oral health is celebrated every year on 20th March. The thematic event aims to empower people with knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

To mark the 2022 world oral health day the ministry of health (oral health) unit organized an outreach program at Baraka children’s home in Kayole Nairobi.

Following an invite, MKUDESA sent 10 representatives to join the team from ministry of health.

The chief guest of the event was Madam Mary Nalyenya from the ministry of health.

The main partners of ministry of health was Colget Palmolive company that donated tooth paste and tooth brushes that were given to the children to ensure they maintain good oral hygiene through regular teeth brushing. The children were also given dental floss courtesy of MKUDESA. The main issue addressed was importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and prioritizing the oral health as well as adopting positive oral health seeking behavior. The children were taught the right teeth brushing technique as well as how to use a dental floss.

The event was themed

“BE PROUD OF YOUR MOUTH”.

Before officially commencing operation of the association, a launching ceremony which would officially introduce the association to all the dental students was organized. The Patron Mr Joseph Kangogo was at hand to officially start off the ceremony. Many dignitaries were in attendance including chief COHO of Kenya, vice

Chairperson KDTA, secretary general KDTA, MKUSA secretary general, KePSA vice chairperson. The key note speakers included Mr James Mwangi, Mr Benard Irungu, Mr Paul Kiilu, Mr Mwangi ( Head of Dental Department KNTRH) and all the dignitaries present.

The chief guest f the day was Mr Fredrick Ngeno ( Chief COHO of Kenya), who delivered his speech covering various areas stressing on

the importance of having an association. Message of goodwill from the vice-chancellor of the university prof. Deogratius Jaganyi was sent via the official email of the association. Also on board were the dental students across the board including the weekend students’.

Acknowledging the supremacy of almighty God, a representative from the university Christian union invited to dedicate the association to God before commencing its operation. 

The official corporate sponsor of MKUDESA Launch was Coca-Cola company. To ensure every attendee of the launch quench their thirst and enjoy every bit of the launch, the company provided with soft drinks and water which were received by the executive Chairperson.