Community Oral Health Officer (COHO)

About the role

Provide quality oral healthcare services by assessing and managing common dental and oral conditions, performing preventive and basic oral health procedures within the authorised scope of practice, educating patients on oral hygiene, maintaining accurate clinical records, and referring cases requiring specialised dental care in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines and KMPDC requirements.

Responsibilities

• Examine patients and assess common oral health conditions, including dental caries, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
• Provide oral healthcare services and procedures within the authorised scope of practice.
• Perform preventive oral health procedures, including oral prophylaxis and other appropriate interventions within professional competence.
• Provide appropriate treatment for eligible patients and refer cases requiring specialised dental care.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, proper brushing and flossing techniques, nutrition, and prevention of oral diseases.
• Provide oral health counselling to children, adults, and other patient groups.
• Take appropriate patient histories and maintain accurate, complete, and confidential clinical records.
• Identify urgent oral health conditions and initiate appropriate management or referral.
• Ensure proper infection prevention and control, sterilisation of instruments, and safe handling of clinical waste.
• Maintain dental equipment, instruments, and supplies in good working condition.
• Support oral health promotion, community education, and preventive healthcare initiatives where applicable.
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to support integrated patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and continuing professional development.
• Comply with Ministry of Health guidelines, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) requirements, and facility standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Community Oral Health or an equivalent qualification recognised in Kenya.
• Registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
• Valid KMPDC practising licence.
• At least two years of relevant clinical experience; experience in a private healthcare facility is an added advantage.
• Good clinical, interpersonal, and patient communication skills.
• Knowledge of oral health assessment, preventive care, infection prevention, and patient record management.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Strong commitment to professional ethics, patient confidentiality, and quality healthcare.