Community Oral Health Officer (COHO)

Role Overview

Working primarily in community and clinical settings, you will deliver preventive and basic curative oral care to patients, with a strong focus on underserved and rural populations. Your day-to-day work involves conducting dental examinations, performing routine procedures such as extractions and prophylaxis, and leading school or mobile outreach programs that expand access to oral health services. This role is central to reducing oral disease burden at the grassroots level while maintaining strict infection control and accurate patient records.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out oral health assessments, diagnose common dental conditions, and perform basic procedures including tooth extractions, scaling, polishing, and fluoride application.
• Plan and implement community outreach activities, school dental screening programmes, and mobile clinic visits to target high-need populations.
• Deliver oral health education sessions to patients, community groups, and schools, focusing on prevention, hygiene practices, and nutrition.
• Manage infection prevention and control protocols consistently, ensuring sterilisation of instruments and safe disposal of clinical waste.
• Document patient information accurately in Health Management Information Systems and prepare reports on outreach activities and treatment outcomes.
• Refer complex cases to dental officers or specialists and follow up on patient care as needed.
• Maintain dental equipment and consumables, monitoring stock levels and advising on procurement needs.
• Collaborate with other health workers and local administrators to integrate oral health into broader primary healthcare activities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Community Oral Health from a recognised institution.
• Current registration and valid practice license with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
• At least two (2) years of post-internship work experience as a Community Oral Health Officer.
• Valid Certificate in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, school dental health programmes, or mobile dental clinics is a distinct advantage.
• Sound clinical skills in dental examinations, prophylaxis, extractions, and application of topical fluoride, alongside thorough knowledge of oral disease prevention and infection control.
• Proficiency with computers, including experience using Health Management Information Systems for data entry and reporting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with rural and underserved communities, plus attention to detail and problem-solving ability.