Community Oral Health Officer at Penda Health

Role Summary:

The COHO at Penda Health plays a critical role in promoting oral health by providing dental services, patient education on proper oral hygiene, and supporting the dentist with diagnostic and preventive care measures. This position is key to preventing dental diseases and ensuring patients maintain optimal oral health.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct dental examinations and provide treatment for common conditions by providing oral hygiene dental services and supporting the dentist with diagnostic and preventive care measures
• Develop and implement oral health education initiatives targeted at patients, focusing on preventive care and oral hygiene best practices.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to integrate oral health with overall health strategies, enhancing patient care.
• Collect, analyse, and report on oral health data to inform service improvements and patient care strategies.
• Maintain patient records with strict adherence to confidentiality and legal standards.
• Manage the inventory of dental supplies and ensure the maintenance of dental equipment.
• Stay updated on advancements in dental practices and technologies, applying best practices to patient care.
• Ensure strict compliance with infection control protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collaborate with the dentists, dental nurses, and other health professionals to provide high quality patient care.
• Participate in community outreach programs to promote dental health awareness and preventive care.
• Adhere to all ethical and legal standards of the medical profession, maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives by actively participating in clinical audits and implementing best practices.
• Comply with all healthcare regulations, guidelines, and policies, ensuring patient safety and quality of care.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract new patients and retain existing ones, aiming for growth in dental patient numbers.

Key requirements and attributes 

• Diploma in Community Oral Health from a recognized institution.
• Registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) is required.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a dental clinic.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and medical centre team members.
• Empathy and compassion towards patients of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and lead initiatives to grow patient numbers.
• Strong commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.