Accesible . Accurate . Clinically Integrated.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

The Oral Pathology Service provides specialised diagnostic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial specimens. We support clinicians in Kenya and The East African region, through timely, accessible pathology services that enable early diagnosis and informed clinical decision-making.

The Oral Pathology Service

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

Accuracy and quality you can rely on
Timely and affordable turnaround
Accessibility for clinicians in both well-resourced and resource-limited settings
Supporting early and accurate diagnosis through evidence-based practice

Diagnostic Excellence

⁠Clinical Collaboration

Timely and Equitable Access

Capacity Building & Impact

Accurate Diagnosis to Support
Better Clinical Outcomes.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen oral and maxillofacial diagnostic capacity across Kenya and underserved regions by reducing diagnostic delays, supporting effective clinical decisions, and improving patient care.

What we do

We provide specialist diagnostic pathology services for diseases of the oral cavity, jaws, salivary glands, and associated maxillofacial structures.

Histopathological Evaluation

Microscopic evaluation of oral and maxillofacial lesions, including inflammatory, infectious, odontogenic, benign, potentially malignant, and malignant conditions.

Routine and Complex Reporting:

Clear, structured and detailed reports for standard cases, complex differentials, and referral consultations.

Ancillary and Adjunctive Diagnostic Support:

Where required, we collaborate with accredited pathology laboratories to facilitate immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, microbiology, and other ancillary studies to support diagnosis.

Multidisciplinary Approach:

We encourage clinicians to submit relevant clinical history, photographs, and imaging to support clinicopathological correlation.

Second Opinions and Consultative Pathology:

Independent expert review of challenging cases or prior diagnoses to support diagnostic clarity and patient management.

Case Tracking and Clinical Enquiries:

Our secure online system allows clinicians to follow up submitted cases, submit additional information, and request report updates or expedited review.

Who we serve

Whether you are an independent practitioner or part of a large tertiary institution, our services are designed to integrate seamlessly into your clinical workflow. We collaborate with a diverse range of healthcare providers focused on oral and dental health, including:

Dental practitioners and dental specialists

Oral & maxillofacial surgeons

ENT specialists

Public and private healthcare facilities

Academic and research institutions

Our Simple Process

How our process works

Specimen Submission

Submit biopsy specimens along with the completed form and pertinent clinical history for efficient processing.

Pathologic Evaluation

Each specimen is meticulously examined by board-certified oral pathologists with specialized expertise.

Diagnostic Report

Receive a concise, structured report detailing gross and microscopic findings, diagnosis, and recommendations.

Clinical Support

Our team is available for direct discussions, follow-up consultations, and additional guidance as needed.

Meet Our Lead Pathologist

DR MUTHONI NDONGA

BDS (UoN), MChD (UWC), FC Path (SA) Oral Pathology

Dr. Muthoni Ndonga is a Dental Surgeon and Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist based in Nairobi, Kenya, with more than 10 years of experience in oral healthcare and advanced diagnostic pathology.

She completed her specialist recognition training in Oral Pathology at Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital. Following this, she received specialist/consultant licensure from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

Through her initiative, The Oral Pathology Service, she focuses on improving access to specialist oral histopathology and cytopathology services across Kenya and the broader East African region. This involves providing clinicians with precise, timely, and clinically relevant diagnostic reports to support better patient outcomes in oral health.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi.
Specialist training in Oral Pathology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Town, South Africa, where she earned a Master of Dental Surgery (MChD) in Oral Pathology.
Fellowship of the College of Pathologists of South Africa (FC Path (SA) Oral Pathology).

Professionally, Dr. Ndonga holds multiple roles:

Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist.
Lecturer in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine at the University of Nairobi.
Practising Dental Surgeon in Nairobi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of specimens do you accept?

We accept a wide range of oral and maxillofacial biopsy specimens, including cytology, soft tissue, bone, odontogenic and salivary gland samples.

Do you offer second opinions?

Yes, we provide expert second opinions, reviews of prior pathology findings, offering additional specialist insight where required.

How long does reporting take?

Standard reports are typically issued within 3-5 business days, with expedited options available for urgent cases. Specimens containing bone or teeth require decalcification, which may extend processing and reporting time.

Can clinicians discuss cases directly with the pathologist?

Yes, we encourage direct consultations to discuss findings and implications for patient management.

Can additional clinical information be submitted after dispatch?

Yes, supplementary clinical details, photographs, and imaging is strongly recommended and may be submitted through our website, or emailed to info@theoralpathologyservice.com