Community Oral Health Officer (COHO) – Kilifi

About the role

Mephi Health Services is seeking a Community Oral Health Officer (COHO) to deliver preventive, promotive and basic curative oral health services in Kilifi County and the wider Coast region. The role combines clinical dental care with community outreach, education and patient management to improve oral health outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive oral examinations and diagnose common oral conditions.
• Perform routine dental procedures within scope, including simple non‑surgical tooth extractions, scaling and polishing, and temporary or permanent fillings.
• Provide pain management, basic emergency oral care and develop treatment plans with follow‑up.
• Refer complex cases to dental surgeons or specialised facilities.
• Deliver oral hygiene education, demonstrate brushing techniques and counsel on diet and disease prevention.
• Apply fluoride varnish and fissure sealants where appropriate.
• Organise and participate in dental outreach programmes, school health screenings and mobile clinics.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with infection‑prevention standards.

Required profile

• Entry‑level qualification in dental or oral health practice.
• Minimum of 24 months of relevant experience in clinical dentistry or community oral health.
• Ability to work under the supervision of a Care Manager or Hospital Administrator.
• Commitment to ethical standards and KMPDC regulations.

Required skills

• Simple non‑surgical tooth extraction
• Scaling and polishing (prophylaxis)
• Temporary and permanent dental fillings
• Fluoride varnish application
• Fissure sealant placement
• Oral health education and patient counseling