FDI World Dental Federation

www.fdiworlddental.org

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Iveta Ramonaite, Dental Tribune International

Wed. 9. September 2026

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MOMBASA, Kenya: This year, the FDI Regional Congress will be held in Mombasa in Kenya from 21 to 23 October, in collaboration with the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) and alongside the 43^rd Annual KDA Scientific Conference and Exhibition. Ahead of the meeting, Dental Tribune International spoke with Dr Kahura Mundia, president of the KDA, about the scientific programme’s clinical and public health priorities, expected participation and the congress’s envisaged long-term impact on oral health advocacy and young dental professionals.

According to Kenya Dental Association President Dr Kahura Mundia, strengthening professional networks, oral health advocacy and investment in dental care will be central to the FDI Regional Congress’s long-term impact in Kenya.

Dr Mundia, what are the main goals of the scientific programme, and what clinical and public health topics will be given particular prominence?
The scientific programme is designed to provide a platform for advancing clinical excellence, promoting evidence-based practice and addressing the most pressing oral health challenges facing communities across Africa and around the world. Our goal is to give dental professionals access to the latest evidence and innovations, as well as equip them with practical skills that can improve patient outcomes and help strengthen oral health systems. The programme will also support exchange between practitioners, researchers, educators and industry partners.

Emphasis will be placed on areas such as digital dentistry, implantology, orthodontics, endodontics and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence in dental practice. On the public health front, discussions will focus on universal health coverage, integration of oral health into primary healthcare, workforce development, access to care, non-communicable diseases and strategies for addressing the growing burden of oral diseases across Africa.

How will the congress build on the long-standing tradition of the Annual KDA Scientific Conference and Exhibition, and what level of participation do you expect from Kenya and across Africa?
For more than four decades, the Annual KDA Scientific Conference and Exhibition has served as a leading platform for continuing professional development, scientific exchange and professional networking for dental practitioners in Kenya. Hosting the FDI Regional Congress in Africa alongside the event will elevate this tradition by bringing together local, regional and international expertise.

This year’s meeting will provide dental practitioners with direct access to leading Kenyan and international experts, as well as create opportunities for regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. We anticipate strong participation from across Kenya, significant representation from other East African countries, and attendance by delegates from elsewhere in Africa and beyond. The congress will enable practitioners, academics, researchers and students to engage with global best practices for addressing issues that are particularly relevant to African oral health systems.

“Every person deserves dental care of the highest attainable standard.”

FDI has described the return of the regional congress to Africa as a landmark moment and a reflection of the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration, education and professional exchange. What lasting impact would you like the congress to have on oral health advocacy, young dentists and the development of dentistry in Kenya and across the region?
We would like the congress to foster stronger professional networks, greater professional capacity and renewed commitment to oral health advocacy across Africa. Every person deserves dental care of the highest attainable standard. One of our key aspirations is that the discussions held and partnerships established during the congress will contribute to stronger oral health policies, greater investment in oral healthcare and increased recognition of oral health as an integral component of overall health and well-being.

For young dentists and dental students, we hope that the congress will serve as a source of inspiration and provide opportunities for mentoring and professional growth. By connecting early-career dental professionals with established leaders, we aim to nurture the next generation of clinicians, researchers and oral health advocates. Ultimately, we want the congress to contribute to a more resilient, innovative and collaborative dental profession that is better equipped to address the oral health needs of African populations in the long term.

Beyond the scientific sessions, what can international delegates expect from Kenya as a host country, and how will the social programme reflect the culture, hospitality and character of the region?
International delegates can expect a memorable cultural experience. Kenya is renowned for its warm hospitality, rich cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes and vibrant urban centres. Mombasa offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure, rich history, diverse culture and distinctive coastal charm, making it an attractive conference destination.

The social programme has been carefully designed to showcase the best of Kenya and the region. Delegates will have opportunities to experience Kenyan cuisine, music, dance and cultural heritage and to build professional relationships in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The congress gala dinner, themed “Elegance with a touch of African”, is planned to be a memorable evening in a coastal setting at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa.

We have also planned optional post-congress excursions that will give visitors the opportunity to experience Kenya’s renowned wildlife and explore its natural attractions and cultural sites. These include the historic Vasco da Gama Pillar in the town of Malindi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Jesus in Mombasa, wildlife safaris in the Tsavo Conservation Area, and coastal hotel stays in Diani, known for its white-sand beaches, and in Lamu Old Town. Additionally, a trip to Nairobi National Park and, further inland, visits to the famous Maasai Mara wildlife conservancies are planned. We want every delegate to leave not only with valuable scientific knowledge but also with lasting memories of Kenya’s hospitality and the spirit of African unity and collaboration that the congress represents.