Community Oral Health Officer

Job Purpose

• The COHO will be responsible for handling all oral health matters for all our clients according to the stipulated procedures. The successful candidate shall provide high-quality dental care to our patients while observing the acceptable standards of operation.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Prepares treatment room for patients by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Perform comprehensive oral examinations, including teeth and mouth inspection, charting, and thorough cleaning, including polishing.
• Document patient dental history and/or chief complaints and/or observations
• Assess dental conditions and needs of patients using patient screening and monitoring procedures.
• Analyze x-rays and evaluate dental needs as necessary including medical history review and dental charting.
• Perform simple extractions, place fissure sealants, and apply topical fluorides and temporary fillings.
• Use dental X-ray machines to take dental radiographs and develop the film for the dentist’s analysis.
• Review pre-operative settings and make sure that the dentist has what is required to carry out dental procedures; i.e. provide necessary help to the dentist, including mixing materials, trimming, and polishing dental casts.
• Implements and adheres to infection prevention protocols including autoclaving instruments after use, cleaning the dental procedures’ space and storage of the clean.
• Undertake general treatment and care for teeth and tissue problems using specified equipment and tools and established dental hygienist procedures.
• Clean teeth using brushes, and polishers to remove plaque and stains ensuring that sterile conditions are maintained
• Provide instruction on dental care
• Maintain a record of day–to–day activities of the dental unit and prepare regular reports as needed.

Competencies
Technical & Behavioural competencies

• Drive and openness to learning
• Time management skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Patient care skills
• Effective decision-making and judgment skills
• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Team working skills
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Confidentiality

Job Requirements

• Minimum Qualification: Diploma in Community Oral Health from a reputable institution
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years experience in a busy hospital.
• Registration by Oral Health Association of Kenya (OHAK)/ Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
• Valid Practicing License.
• Must have a work permit and license to practice in Kenya if a foreigner from KMPD Board
• Good verbal communication skills – a good listener.
• Exceptional customer service and organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving and sound judgment skills.
• Analytical and inquisitive, with excellent attention to detail
• Able and willing to work outside normal hours when necessary