COMMUNITY ORAL HEALTH OFFICER (COHO)

Reports To: Care Manager / Hospital Administrator

Location: Kilifi or any other location as directed by Management

Employment Type: Full Time

Role Summary

Mephi Health Services is committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services within Kilifi County and the wider Coast region. In line with this commitment, the Community Oral Health Officer (COHO) plays a critical role in providing preventive, promotive, and basic curative oral healthcare services to patients within both facility and community settings. The role focuses on improving oral health outcomes through clinical dental care, oral health education, preventive interventions, patient management, and community outreach programs while ensuring adherence to professional, ethical, and infection prevention standards. As a performance-driven position, the Community Oral Health Officer is accountable for quality oral healthcare delivery, patient satisfaction, clinical documentation, community engagement, and compliance with established healthcare protocols and KMPDC regulations.

Key Responsibilities

A. Clinical Oral Healthcare Services

 Conduct comprehensive oral examinations and diagnose common oral health conditions 

 Perform routine dental procedures within scope of practice including: Simple non-surgical tooth extractions, Scaling and polishing (prophylaxis) & Temporary and permanent fillings. 

 Provide pain management and basic emergency oral healthcare services 

 Develop appropriate treatment plans and provide follow-up care 

 Identify complicated dental conditions and refer patients appropriately to Dental Surgeons or specialized facilities 

 Support continuity of patient care through proper patient management and reviews 

B. Preventive Oral Healthcare & Patient Education

 Provide oral hygiene education and preventive dental counseling to patients 

 Demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques and oral hygiene practices 

 Educate patients on diet, oral disease prevention, and healthy oral habits 

 Apply fluoride varnish and fissure sealants where appropriate 

 Promote preventive oral healthcare services within the facility and community 

C. Community Outreach & Public Health Programs

 Organize and participate in dental outreach programs, medical camps, school health programs, and community awareness initiatives 

 Conduct oral health screenings within schools and community settings 

 Promote oral health awareness through health talks and educational activities 

 Participate in mobile clinics and community-based healthcare initiatives 

 Support public health programs aimed at improving community oral health outcomes 

D. Infection Prevention & Clinical Safety

 Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols 

 Ensure proper sterilization and disinfection of dental instruments and equipment 

 Maintain cleanliness and safety within the dental clinic environment 

 Ensure proper disposal of biohazardous and clinical waste 

 Maintain compliance with occupational health and safety standards 

E. Clinical Documentation & Records Management

 Maintain accurate and complete patient records and treatment documentation 

 Ensure timely entry of patient data into Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) where applicable 

 Maintain confidentiality and security of patient information 

 Prepare treatment summaries, referral notes, and reports when required 

 Monitor and maintain inventory records for dental supplies and consumables 

F. Team Collaboration & Operational Support

 Work collaboratively with clinicians, nurses, laboratory teams, and other healthcare professionals 

 Participate in multidisciplinary patient care and referral coordination 

 Support continuous quality improvement initiatives within the facility 

 Participate in departmental meetings, trainings, and professional development activities 

 Perform any other duties assigned by Management from time to time 

Qualifications

 Diploma in Community Oral Health from a recognized institution 

 Valid registration and current practicing license from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) 

Experience

 Minimum of 2–3 years post-internship experience in a healthcare or dental setting 

 Experience in community oral health programs and outreach services is an added advantage 

 Experience working in rural or community-based healthcare environments is desirable  Professional Requirements

 Strong clinical and diagnostic skills in oral healthcare 

 Proficiency in dental procedures within approved scope of practice 

 Competence in Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and computer applications 

 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

 Ability to work effectively within community settings and multidisciplinary teams 

 Strong patient education and counseling skills 

 Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is an added advantage 

 High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability 

Core Competencies

 Clinical competence and patient care 

 Preventive and community oral health knowledge 

 Communication and interpersonal skills 

 Accountability and professionalism 

 Time management and reliability 

 Team collaboration and coordination 

 Attention to detail and infection control 

 Ability to work under pressure and in diverse community settings