Matibabu Foundation Kenya (MFK) is a registered health and development non-governmental organization based in Ukwala, Siaya County. Established to promote quality health services and community development initiatives, Matibabu Foundation operates a network of healthcare and outreach programs designed to meet the evolving needs of rural communities in Western Kenya. Over the years, the Foundation has built a reputation for excellence in health promotion, prevention, and curative services, with a special focus on maternal and child health, communicable disease control, and health systems strengthening.
As part of its commitment to provide holistic, accessible, and community-driven healthcare, the Foundation is pleased to announce the following job opening and invites applications from qualified and motivated professionals.
Position Title: Community Oral Health Officer (1 Position)
Reports to: Medical Director
Duty Station: Ukwala, Siaya County
Application Deadline: 17th July 2025
Application Mode: By Post or Email
Overview of the Role
The Community Oral Health Officer (COHO) will play a key role in ensuring the delivery of quality dental care services within the Matibabu Foundation’s healthcare system. This role is especially vital in promoting oral health awareness in rural communities, conducting preventative care, and performing basic dental procedures. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Medical Director and in close collaboration with clinical, public health, and administrative staff.
This role suits a dynamic and community-oriented professional with strong clinical skills and a passion for educating the public on the importance of oral hygiene. The COHO will not only offer curative dental services but also lead oral health promotion initiatives within the surrounding communities, schools, and health centers supported by Matibabu Foundation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Community Dental Health Education and Promotion
- Design, develop, and implement dental health education programs targeting community members, schools, and MFK’s local partners.
- Promote best practices in oral hygiene through campaigns, demonstrations, and interactive sessions.
- Work with community health volunteers (CHVs), teachers, and other stakeholders to amplify oral health messaging.
- Educate patients and community members on the impact of diet, smoking, and lifestyle on oral health and overall wellbeing.
2. Clinical Dental Services
- Perform routine dental procedures such as scaling and polishing (teeth cleaning), fluoride varnish applications, placement of temporary fillings, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
- Conduct oral examinations to assess dental hygiene and detect early signs of oral diseases.
- Refer patients requiring specialized or advanced treatment to dentists or other relevant medical professionals within the network.
- Ensure high standards of infection prevention and control are adhered to during all dental procedures.
- Provide pain relief and emergency oral care when needed.
3. Community Oral Health Surveillance
- Conduct regular surveys and assessments in the community to establish oral health status and identify emerging issues.
- Analyze oral health data and prepare reports to inform interventions and decision-making.
- Prepare feedback reports to Management and other stakeholders such as Ministry of Health or development partners.
- Use surveillance results to tailor oral health interventions to specific demographic or geographic needs.
4. Record Keeping and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including treatment notes, medical history, and follow-up requirements.
- Track trends in oral health across MFK’s catchment areas and contribute to organizational monitoring and evaluation reports.
- Ensure confidentiality and proper archiving of dental records and patient information.
- Document all outreach activities and produce monthly, quarterly, and annual service delivery reports.
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with doctors, nurses, clinical officers, nutritionists, and mental health specialists to promote an integrated health approach.
- Participate in interdisciplinary ward rounds and health talks at community and facility levels.
- Contribute oral health insights in planning meetings and medical board discussions to improve patient care outcomes.
- Support the training of community health workers and other healthcare providers on basic oral hygiene and dental emergency response.
6. Logistics and Resource Management
- Monitor availability and usage of dental equipment, supplies, and consumables, and prepare requisitions for replenishment.
- Ensure proper functioning and maintenance of dental instruments and adhere to clinical waste disposal protocols.
- Observe proper inventory management to minimize wastage and ensure cost-effective service delivery.
- Participate in planning and budgeting for oral health programs in collaboration with MFK management.
7. Professional Development and Continuous Learning
- Keep abreast with emerging trends, new techniques, and innovations in dental and oral health practice.
- Attend relevant workshops, conferences, and trainings to enhance knowledge and service quality.
- Share acquired knowledge with peers and mentor junior staff or trainees as required.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Diploma in Community Oral Health from a recognized institution.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Community Oral Health Officer in a health facility, preferably in a rural or underserved area.
- Valid and up-to-date practicing license where applicable.
- Demonstrated skills in simple dental procedures including extractions, cleaning, and preventive treatments.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, especially in community engagement settings.
- Good interpersonal skills and a caring, mature, and friendly personality suited for working with patients of diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate should be:
- Community-focused and passionate about improving oral health at the grassroots level.
- Respectful, ethical, and sensitive to patient rights and confidentiality.
- Adaptable to a fast-paced work environment and willing to travel for outreach activities.
- Committed to Matibabu Foundation’s mission of providing accessible and quality healthcare for all.
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications accompanied by:
- A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of academic and professional certificates
- Contact details for at least three referees, including their daytime phone numbers
Applications can be submitted through any of the following options:
By Post:
The Administration Officer,
Matibabu Foundation,
P.O. Box 230 – 40607,
Ukwala, Kenya
Or
By Email:
Send to: [email protected]
All applications must be received on or before 17th July 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Matibabu Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
