Job Description
A reputable healthcare organization is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, compassionate, and professionally licensed Community Oral Health Officer (COHO) to strengthen the delivery of quality oral healthcare services across community and clinical settings in Kajiado County, Kenya. This position presents an excellent opportunity for an experienced oral health professional who is passionate about disease prevention, patient education, community engagement, and improving access to essential dental services for underserved populations. The successful candidate will play a significant role in promoting oral wellness by providing preventive, promotive, and basic curative dental care while ensuring that every intervention complies with national healthcare standards, professional ethics, and infection prevention guidelines.
The Community Oral Health Officer will conduct comprehensive oral examinations, identify common dental conditions, provide appropriate treatment within the approved scope of practice, and educate individuals, families, schools, and community groups on effective oral hygiene practices. The role also involves participating in outreach initiatives designed to improve oral health awareness, reduce preventable dental diseases, and increase access to dental services in remote and marginalized communities. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, the officer will contribute to integrated healthcare delivery while maintaining accurate patient documentation and supporting continuous quality improvement initiatives.
This position requires a professional who demonstrates excellent clinical judgment, sound decision-making skills, and the ability to manage diverse patient needs with empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism. The successful applicant will be expected to maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment, ensure proper sterilization of instruments, manage dental supplies responsibly, and comply with all established infection prevention and control protocols. Familiarity with digital patient records and Health Management Information Systems will support efficient documentation and reporting.
The organization values professionals who embrace continuous learning, evidence-based practice, and innovative approaches to community healthcare delivery. The Community Oral Health Officer will therefore be encouraged to participate in professional development activities, contribute to health promotion campaigns, and collaborate with colleagues in strengthening preventive oral healthcare programs. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity are essential for building trust with patients from diverse backgrounds and delivering meaningful health education.
This opportunity is ideal for an individual who enjoys working both within clinical facilities and in community outreach environments while making a measurable impact on public health outcomes. The organization offers a supportive working environment, modern clinical resources, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to improving oral health standards across the region. Applicants must meet all professional registration requirements and possess the competence, integrity, and commitment necessary to deliver exceptional patient-centered dental services in accordance with Kenya's healthcare regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver preventive, promotive, and basic curative oral healthcare services according to approved professional standards.
- Conduct comprehensive oral examinations and accurately assess patients' dental health conditions.
- Diagnose common oral diseases and provide appropriate treatment within the authorized scope of professional practice.
- Perform routine dental procedures including uncomplicated extractions, scaling, polishing, prophylaxis, fluoride therapy, and preventive interventions.
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and lifestyle habits that promote lifelong dental wellness.
- Develop individualized oral healthcare plans based on patient assessments and clinical findings.
- Participate in community outreach initiatives aimed at improving oral health awareness and disease prevention.
- Support school oral health education programs through screenings, demonstrations, and preventive interventions.
- Conduct dental screening activities during medical camps and mobile outreach services.
- Provide oral health counseling to children, adolescents, adults, older persons, and special population groups.
- Maintain accurate patient records using approved Health Management Information Systems and electronic documentation platforms.
- Prepare clinical reports and submit timely service statistics as required by management.
- Ensure proper sterilization, disinfection, and maintenance of dental instruments and equipment.
- Monitor compliance with infection prevention and control protocols throughout clinical procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization within the dental treatment environment.
- Identify patients requiring specialized dental services and facilitate appropriate referrals.
- Collaborate with dentists, nurses, clinical officers, laboratory personnel, pharmacists, and public health teams to coordinate integrated patient care.
- Participate in quality assurance initiatives designed to improve service delivery and patient satisfaction.
- Support implementation of public health campaigns targeting prevention of oral diseases.
- Promote early detection of oral health complications through routine examinations and patient education.
- Monitor inventory levels of dental materials, medications, consumables, and clinical equipment.
- Report equipment faults promptly and assist in coordinating maintenance activities.
- Ensure responsible utilization of departmental resources while minimizing unnecessary wastage.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with professional ethics and applicable regulations.
- Participate in emergency response activities within the dental clinic whenever required.
- Demonstrate compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive patient interactions at all times.
- Assist in training community members on practical oral disease prevention strategies.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives through constructive feedback and professional collaboration.
- Keep current with developments in oral healthcare practices by participating in continuing professional education.
- Comply fully with organizational policies, occupational safety requirements, and professional regulatory standards.
- Represent the organization positively during community engagement activities and professional interactions.
- Support implementation of oral disease surveillance and health promotion projects.
- Participate actively in departmental meetings, performance reviews, and service improvement discussions.
- Maintain professional appearance, ethical conduct, and accountability throughout all assigned responsibilities.
Qualifications & Requirements
- The ideal candidate must possess a Diploma or bachelor's degree in Community Oral Health from a recognized institution together with a valid practicing license and registration issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). Applicants should have a minimum of two years of post
- internship professional experience delivering community
- based or clinical oral healthcare services. A valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate is mandatory. Previous involvement in community outreach initiatives, school dental health programs, public awareness campaigns, or mobile dental clinics will provide an added advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong competence in oral examinations, preventive dentistry, dental hygiene, uncomplicated extractions, infection prevention, patient education, and evidence
- based clinical practice. Proficiency in Health Management Information Systems and standard computer applications is required for efficient documentation and reporting. The successful applicant should possess outstanding communication skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, analytical thinking, problem
- solving capability, emotional intelligence, integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical healthcare delivery. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective time management, teamwork, accountability, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build positive relationships with diverse communities are essential. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining current knowledge of modern oral healthcare practices. This opportunity is exclusively open to qualified Community Oral Health Officers. Applications from Community Health Workers, Social Workers, or unrelated professional disciplines will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified Community Oral Health Officers who meet the stated requirements should submit a comprehensive application consisting of an updated CV, a cover letter, copies of academic and professional certificates, a valid KMPDC practicing license, BLS certification, and any other supporting credentials before the application deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required professional qualifications or registration criteria will not be considered.