By Enock Nyankieya, Kakamega
Dr Scarlet Muhadia’s journey into the world of dentistry began at the prestigious University of Nairobi, where she pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. With a keen interest in healthcare and an unwavering determination to make a difference, Scarlet’s academic journey was marked by dedication and excellence.
Upon graduation, Dr Scarlet embarked on her professional career, swiftly accumulating valuable experience. Her first year in practice allowed her to hone her skills and gain a deeper understanding of patient care.
However, it was her move to Kakamega that truly shaped her career and mission. For the past four years, she has served the community in Kakamega, providing comprehensive dental care and witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of her work on her patients’ lives.
Dr Scarlet said the gap in provision of quality and affordable dental care in Kakamega and the Western region in general, as well as lack of education and information around matters, dental health what motivated her to start a dental clinic, ‘The Smile Suite Dental Centre ‘, which she says – is a one stop dental treatment centre offering special dental care in the region.
The dental clinic is located on the fourth floor of Mega Mall Plaza (Quickmart Supermarket), opposite the county government of Kakamega headquarters.
“We are the top dental clinic in Kakamega, offering all dental services ranging from:, orthodontic treatment, dental filling and teeth whitening using a state of the art technology,” said Scarlet, adding, “when you visit us, you will expect to find expert dentist and caring clinic staff,”
Scarlet’s vision is to preserve, maintain and transform community smiles through oral health awareness, preservative and curative treatment in affordable, accessible and quality dental services.
At ‘The Smile Suite Dental Centre’, we seek to become a leader in dental industry by maintaining a consistent and systematic approach to dental care as well as a high level of customer service,” she said
Running her own clinic has been both challenging and rewarding. Her dedication to her patients goes beyond routine check-ups and treatments.
She invests time in understanding their needs, educating them on preventive care, and offering advanced treatments that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Her holistic approach to dentistry ensures that her patients leave with not just healthier smiles, but also a renewed sense of confidence and well-being.
“I had a very big dream for the clinics set up and was discouraged that the set up cannot work in Kakamega, but with resilience, I did it and now people can easily access quality dental treatment in Kakamega,” said Dr Scarlet
“We have modern dental treatment units fitted with digital X-RAY machines, intra-oral cameras and scanners and blue light teeth whitening machines, a fully equipped sterilization booth that ensures safety for both clients and staff,” she added
The dental clinic is now a year since its inception and the clinic has become a trusted healthcare provider in Kakamega. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and patient-centered care has earned her the respect and admiration of both her peers and the community.
“We have experienced growing numbers for the last 12 months. We have also increased the reach and expanded our clientele, gained visibility not just in Kakamega but also its environs,” said Scarlet. “We have had successful partnerships with insurances and corporates,”
She said they have incorporated specialist dental clinics like orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery, installed an OPG machine, becoming the only private facility to have one in the region.
An Orthopantomogram (OPG) machine, is a type of dental X-ray machine used to capture panoramic scans of the upper and lower jaw. This imaging technology provides a comprehensive view of a patient’s entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures and tissues.
One of Scarlet’s memorable times at the clinic was when she attended to an 86 year old octogenarian by restoring her dental formula.
“We did full mouth rehabilitation which included teeth restorations, teeth replacement and gum treatment procedures. She has since been a personal friend, always doing referral because of the quality, exceptional and good services she received,” said Dr Scarlet
The most popular services at that her clinic offers include:, all dental services from consultation, digital X-rays, teeth cleaning, dental fillings, root canal therapy, extractions, gum treatments, child dental treatment, teeth whitening, dental jewellery, teeth masking and veneers, crown and bridge, dentures, implants, minor surgery and braces(teeth alignment).
Dr Scarlet, an ardent golfer is planning to introduce a fully equipped paediatric dental unit with a sedation machine, a mobile dental clinic (a fully equipped dental caravan to offer mobile dental services) as well as introducing a dental and maxillofacial imaging centre.
“Persistence and passion is key. I would advise young women like me to be persistent and passionate about their goals. Many only see the rewarding part, but dentistry is a demanding field. It’s essential to stay committed gaining more knowledge and skills, be at par with the ever-growing technology, seek mentorship and continuously strive for excellence,” she said
As part of her corporate social responsibility, Scarlet said, “We regularly participate in community outreach programs such as offering free dental check-ups, oral health education workshops in schools, churches, courts, corporates, community events and workshops,”
