Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and professionally licensed Community Oral Health Officer (COHO) to join our growing clinical team in Nairobi. This opportunity is ideal for a motivated oral healthcare professional who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient-centered dental services while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence, ethics, and safety.
The successful candidate will provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational oral healthcare services within the professional scope of a registered Community Oral Health Officer. Working alongside multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, the officer will contribute to improving oral health outcomes through evidence-based practice, patient education, and quality clinical care.
The position involves conducting detailed oral examinations, identifying dental diseases and abnormalities, developing appropriate treatment plans, performing approved clinical procedures, and referring complex cases whenever necessary. The officer will also educate patients on preventive oral healthcare, encourage healthy dental habits, and support community awareness initiatives aimed at reducing preventable oral diseases.
Beyond direct patient care, the successful applicant will maintain accurate clinical documentation, uphold infection prevention and sterilization protocols, safeguard patient confidentiality, and ensure strict compliance with established regulatory requirements and organizational policies. The role also requires active participation in continuous quality improvement initiatives, departmental meetings, clinical audits, and professional development programs that enhance service delivery.
The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent clinical judgment, outstanding interpersonal abilities, and a genuine commitment to providing respectful, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse backgrounds. Strong organizational skills, professional integrity, and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative healthcare environment are essential for success.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding healthcare career within a supportive organization that values professional growth, innovation, accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning. If you are passionate about advancing oral healthcare standards while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities, we encourage you to submit your application and become part of a team committed to delivering safe, accessible, and high-quality dental care.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive oral health assessments using established clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices.
- Examine patients thoroughly to identify dental diseases, oral abnormalities, infections, and other conditions requiring treatment.
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on accurate clinical findings and patient needs.
- Perform approved preventive and therapeutic dental procedures within the legally authorized scope of practice.
- Provide professional scaling, polishing, fluoride applications, and other preventive oral health interventions.
- Educate patients on effective brushing, flossing, nutrition, and daily oral hygiene practices.
- Counsel patients on preventing dental diseases through healthy lifestyle choices and regular dental reviews.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential patient records using approved documentation systems.
- Ensure informed consent is obtained before commencing clinical procedures whenever applicable.
- Monitor patient progress and recommend appropriate follow-up appointments for continuity of care.
- Recognize cases requiring specialist intervention and facilitate timely referrals.
- Adhere to infection prevention, sterilization, waste management, and occupational safety procedures at all times.
- Prepare, disinfect, and maintain dental instruments, equipment, and treatment areas according to established standards.
- Monitor the functionality of dental equipment and promptly report maintenance requirements.
- Maintain adequate clinical supplies and communicate inventory needs to relevant departments.
- Collaborate effectively with dentists, nurses, clinicians, laboratory personnel, and other healthcare professionals.
- Participate actively in community oral health promotion initiatives and public education activities.
- Support outreach programs aimed at improving access to preventive oral healthcare services.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, professional regulations, and ethical practice standards.
- Participate in quality assurance activities, clinical audits, and continuous service improvement initiatives.
- Attend departmental meetings, mandatory training sessions, and professional development programs.
- Maintain valid professional registration, licensing, and required certifications throughout employment.
- Demonstrate compassionate, respectful, and patient-focused communication during every clinical interaction.
- Respond professionally to patient concerns while promoting a positive healthcare experience.
- Uphold confidentiality, integrity, accountability, and professionalism in every aspect of service delivery.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative working environment focused on excellence in oral healthcare.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Diploma in Community Oral Health from a recognized institution.
- Valid registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
- Current professional practicing license.
- Registration with the Oral Health Association of Kenya (OHAK) where applicable.
- Valid Certificate in Basic Life Support (BLS).
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application before the stated deadline. Applications should include an updated curriculum vitae, a professional cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience, and copies of academic certificates, professional registration documents, current practicing license, Basic Life Support certification, and any additional supporting credentials. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all submitted information is complete, accurate, and current. Only candidates who satisfy the minimum requirements will be considered for the next stage of the recruitment process. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for competency assessments, credential verification, and interviews. Applications received after the closing date may not be considered. The recruiting organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from qualified professionals who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, clinical excellence, and dedication to delivering outstanding oral healthcare services.