Have you ever thought about switching careers? If you are about to change or are just about to make the fundamental career decision of your life, whereby you are selecting the desired medical course, then one on Dental Technology can be a sound choice. But of course, you would want to know what awaits you in the overflooded jog market. So, what is the Dental Technology salary in Kenya and is the course worth it?
The medical profession has numerous niches that are hard to keep count. You have an eye specialist (optician), a nervous system specialist, and more. If you want to care for people's teeth, you become a dentist, and the niche has more sub-niches, including a Dental Technologist. So, is Dental Technology marketable in Kenya?
What is Dental Technology?
Dental Technology involves designing, constructing, repairing or altering dental prosthetics, restoration and orthodontic services. Therefore, it is a vast field whereby one can even choose a specific niche to focus on.
When you study Dental Technology, you become a Dental Technician, and you will play an integral role in helping people keep their smiles healthy and pretty. As a Dental technologist, you are likely going to specialise in the following areas:
- Fixed prosthesis - such as implants, crowns and bridges that can be cemented into place
- Orthodontics - devices such as braces to straighten teeth and mouthguards
- Removable prosthesis - such as dentures and removable partial dentures
- Maxillofacial appliances - for patients who have lost part of their face or jaw through an accident or disease. You would work in specialised hospital units, but entry opportunities are limited.
What does Dental Technology deal with? Essentially, you will participate in the science-based practice of designing, constructing, repairing and altering dental devices. Some of the primary duties include:
- Coming up with models of patients’ mouths and teeth.
- Creating dentures, mouth guards, and retainers.
- Creating crowns and bridges.
- Performing diagnostic wax-ups.
What is the Dental Technology salary in Kenya?
How much does a diploma dentist earn in Kenya? People practising Dental Technology earn an average of Ksh.96,000 monthly. This average salary includes housing, transport, and other benefits.
The highest salary of Dental Technology is an average of Ksh.143,000 monthly, and the lowest is Ksh.48,700 monthly. Almost everyone in the profession earns a higher figure, with 75% earning Ksh.96,000 or less. 50% of employees in his sector earn Ksh.85,100 or less, while 25% make less than Ksh.70,600.
Dental Technology course requirements
The Kenya Medical Training College offers a diploma in Dental Technology. The course takes three years to complete, and the minimum requirements include:
- Mean grade of C Plain
- C in English or Kiswahili, and Physical Science or Physics or Chemistry
- C- in Biology and any of the following: Metalwork, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.
Can a dental technology student be a dentist?
Anything is possible as long as you are ready to expand your knowledge and acquire further qualifications to enable you to pursue a course in dentistry and become a fully-fledged dentist. Anyone interested in becoming a dentist must learn about anatomy, pathology, and patient care. On top of this, they should elevate their hands-on skills.
Wrapping up
The Dental Technology Salary in Kenya is quite competitive, giving graduates a sound starting point as they seek to establish a profound career. Therefore, considering Kenya's high demand for dental services, it can be termed one of the country's most marketable courses.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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