Blacklisted: Five quacks masquerading as dentists in Nairobi exposed
With patient complaints at an all-time high, a Nation exposé uncovers the dangerous world of unqualified dentists in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- The Kenya Dentists Association has revealed over 500 complaints in a single month and demanded immediate government action
When Nation arrived at Smile4Life Dental in Nairobi’s Buru Buru Phase 4 last Friday at 8.15am, staff were preparing for a community dental camp..
Bernard Mwangi, who described himself as an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist at the facility, said they would be away until Monday. He invited the Nation team to return then for services, noting that braces cost Sh40,000. He can be reached via telephone at 0756737520.
The phone number together with 079431050 were flagged by the Kenya Dentists Association (KDA) in an official statement last Thursday. KDA boss Kahura Mundia disclosed that Smile4Life Dental is run by quacks who have been harming Kenyans.
Kenya Dental Association president Dr Kahura Mundia, holds an adult human dental anatomy model at his office in Nairobi on July 19, 2025.
This action followed public complaints on social media, which prompted investigations by KDA and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
“We wish to formally bring your attention to cases involving Zoe Dental Clinic (mobile no. 0707367040) where individuals are reportedly masquerading and presenting themselves as dentists,” case file no KDA007/2025 that has been investigated by KMPDC highlighted. The file also includes evidence from TikTok posts made by aggrieved Kenyans.
Dr Mundia stated: “KDA wishes to inform the general public that the persons operating under the name Smile4Life Dental located in Buru Buru Phase 4 and advertising dental services under contact 0794314050 and 0756737520 are not known dentists registered to practice dentistry in Kenya.
He added: The public is strongly cautioned against seeking dental care from unregistered individuals passing off as dentists. Engaging with unqualified persons exposes patients to serious health risks.”
He urged anyone who has been harmed by this or any other unregistered facility to notify KDA immediately.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council CEO Dr David Kariuki, during an interview at his office in Nairobi on August 19, 2025.
“Report immediately to the nearest police station and notify KMPDC for regulatory action on illegal practice, masquerading, touting and causing harm to the public. To safeguard your health, always confirm that your dentist is registered and licensed by KMPDC. Verification can be done easily at https://kmpdc.go.ke/,” the KDA boss added.
Sh10,000 for ‘slimming wires’
At 10.30am, we went undercover at Peak Aesthetic Studio, located on the 2nd Floor of Kamakis Greenspot Tower along the Ruiru Bypass. The facility has been flagged by KDA for quackery following numerous patient complaints.
Dr Mundia stated: “Peak Aesthetic Studio uses an unknown treatment plan. They are involved in illegal and unethical dental practice, and their social media platforms hawk misinformed procedures performed by non-dentists.”
In a disturbing sales pitch, Hellen Gumato, who claimed she could perform the dental work herself, invited us to visit before 5pm or on a Saturday. She quoted the price for braces at Sh15,000 per jaw.
She also promoted a ‘slimming wire’ for weight loss at Sh10,000. “The wires tied to the back teeth can regulate how the mouth opens and the amount of food consumed,” she claimed, explicitly stating they target individuals looking for a ‘shortcut’ to getting in shape instead of going to the gym.
However, Dr Mundia condemned 'slimming wires' as a dangerous and unapproved weight loss trend. He explained that the procedure involves using dental wires to lock the jaw shut, forcing a liquid-only diet. “While this restricts solid food, it is medically unrecognised for weight loss and can lead to serious health risks like malnutrition,
oral damage, and jaw pain.”
He confirmed that KDA has received numerous complaints from Kenyans who suffered severe complications after getting the procedure at the Kamaki-based facility, where it was performed by unqualified individuals.
The Roysambu oral health officer who masquerades as a doctor
According to an official letter from KMPDC CEO David Kariuki, referenced KMPDC/DEC/GEN2025/24, Kenyans have complained that the services offered by Dennis Onyango Mbae harmed them. The letter, which is in Nation's possession and addressed to Mbae, states: “KMPDC is in receipt of a formal complaint from KDA concerning your use
of the title ‘Doctor’ while advertising and offering dental services under ‘Celestial Dental Services’.”
“From our preliminary investigations, we note that you are currently registered with KMPDC as Community Oral Health Officers. As such, you are not qualified to use the title ‘Doctor’. Kindly note that such usage is misleading the public and contravenes section 22(2) and (3) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act CAP 253, which constitutes an offence under Kenyan law,” Dr Kariuki told Mbae.
“In light of the above, you are hereby directed to submit a written statement within seven days from the date of this letter responding to the complaint raised and provide copies of any current contracts or agreements you may have with healthcare or dental facilities where you are currently practicing,” Mbae was told, with KMPDC maintaining that failure to respond may result in further regulation action as provided under the relevant laws.
Celestial Dental Care is located in Roysambu just five minutes off Thika Road Mall along Kasarani-Mwiki road, according to KMPDC.
Dr Kariuki has also sent a similar letter to one Hedry Nyakundi of Baraka Smiles Dental, which is located in Kahawa Wendani. Nyakundi’s case is also filed at KDA and referenced KDA/004/2025, while the case file for Mbae is referenced KDA/003/2025.
When Nation reached out to Baraka Smiles Dental via telephone on Friday evening, a lady who identified herself as Ms Wachira stated that she was the operations manager at the facility. She said Nyakundi has since left the facility.
“He no longer works with us,” she said.
Call for action
Speaking to Nation, Dr Mundia stated that dental quackery has become rampant in the country, exposing thousands of Kenyans to harm. He urgently called on Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni to take immediate action.
“The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards and other regulatory bodies need to safeguard the public from medical and dental malpractice as a matter of priority. This has yet to be done,” he said, adding:
“Case complaints are piling up at the KMPDC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, and the number is now at an all-time high.” He disclosed that KDA alone received over 500 complaints in October 2025, all of which were forwarded to the KMPDC.
Dr Mundia criticised the KMPDC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee and its Board for using excuses like a lack of capacity, staff, and budgetary allocation from Parliament. “Meanwhile, Kenyans are being conned and harmed because they unknowingly seek substandard services from charlatans,” he told Nation. “These quacks are emboldened by social media's perceived anonymity, the commercialisation of healthcare, and pure profiteering motives. Something must give.”
He added: “Kenyans need to demand quality and rightful services from all caregivers and as assured by healthcare sector regulators who issue licences to all providers to practise within their training and scopes, and protect the public from quacks who maim patients.”
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