KENYA: KDF Issues New Directive on Recruits with Discoloured Teeth

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KDF Issues New Directive on Recruits with Discoloured Teeth

Kenyans.co.ke - August 17, 2023

By MARK OBAR

The Kenya Defence Forces has announced a departure from previous norms by declaring that aspiring recruits with discoloured teeth will now be eligible to enlist and serve in the military.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jonah M Mwangi explained that, previously, the military had a blanket ban on people with discoloured teeth, something which he recognised that was wrong and discriminatory.

In the new directive, people who turn up for recruitment with discoloured teeth will have to undergo a dental examination that will ascertain the level of discolourisation and damage.

"We realised that there are areas in this country where you have water that has fluoride content and therefore you will have people that have low to medium teeth discolouration," Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi observed.

The military boss also noted that people should not face blanket condemnation merely because their geographical location where they were brought up.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) pointed out that such a stance had inadvertently marginalised specific regions characterised by elevated fluoride levels, resulting in tooth discoloration among certain residents.

"The medical examination to determine if the teeth are merely discoloured or severely damaged to a point that the person would face long term challenges in the military," Lt Gen Mwangi explained.

However, Lt Gen Mwangi also warned that people with severe damage to their teeth will not be recruited to the military since that is likely to lead to more damage in the future.

"If you have severe discolouration, it’s an indication that you probably have a problem with the bone structure and you are prone to accidents.

"If you get into a dental accident, that will force us to out in you in hospital instead of training. It’s a disadvantage to you," Lt Gen Mwangi explained.

KDF noted that good dental health is essential for overall health. Poor oral health can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

It was observed that the military wants to ensure that its members are as healthy as possible, and this includes having good dental health.

"Discolored teeth can be a sign of underlying health problems. Some conditions that can cause discolored teeth include diabetes, liver disease, and certain types of cancer," the military bigwig explained.

SOURCE:
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/92175-kd ... ured-teeth