Mount Kenya University (MKU) continues to stand out as one of the leading private universities in Kenya and the East African region. Chartered and ISO 9001:2015 certified, the institution has consistently demonstrated its commitment to offering a broad-based, holistic, and inclusive system of education. By focusing not only on theoretical knowledge but also on vocational and professional training, MKU equips its students with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.
As a member of the Inter-University Council of East Africa and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, MKU’s standards of teaching, research, and community engagement are benchmarked against globally respected institutions. The university operates from its main campus in Thika and has satellite campuses in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Meru. It also runs Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) centers in major towns across Kenya, as well as in Burundi, Somaliland, and Uganda. This wide network ensures that MKU remains accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, reaffirming its philosophy of widening access to education.
Central to the success of any academic institution are the people who drive its mission and vision forward. At MKU, the Directorate of Human Resource is mandated to facilitate and support the operations of the university by ensuring it continues to attract, develop, and retain a team of competent and visionary professionals. The goal is to maintain a highly skilled workforce that not only enhances the university’s academic standing but also ensures efficient service delivery to students, staff, and the community at large.
In pursuit of this mission, MKU invites applications from suitably qualified, dynamic, and experienced professionals to fill the role of Oral Health Officer (1 Position) under the School of Medicine. This opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing oral health care, mentoring students, and supporting community-based initiatives while being part of a vibrant academic environment.
Position: Oral Health Officer (1 Position)
Faculty/Directorate: School of Medicine
Duty Station: Thika
Application Deadline: Monday, 6th October 2025
Overview of the Role
The Oral Health Officer position is a critical part of MKU’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare and training within the School of Medicine. The incumbent will play a central role in preventive, promotive, and curative oral health services. Beyond clinical care, the officer will also support the training of students, ensuring that MKU continues to produce well-prepared graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
This position requires a balance between clinical practice, academic mentorship, and community outreach. The Oral Health Officer will be directly involved in diagnosis and treatment, while also engaging in oral health education initiatives aimed at empowering both the MKU community and the larger society. The role also involves working closely with other professionals in the School of Medicine, thereby creating a collaborative environment that fosters innovation, professional development, and improved patient outcomes.
Key Qualifications, Education, and Experience
Applicants for this position must demonstrate strong academic and professional grounding in oral health. The following are the minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Oral Health or Dental Surgery from a recognized academic institution.
- At least 3 years of relevant clinical experience in a recognized hospital or training institution.
- Registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), ensuring compliance with national standards of practice.
- Computer literacy, as modern healthcare environments rely heavily on digital systems for patient records, reporting, and communication.
These requirements underline MKU’s commitment to recruiting professionals who are not only academically qualified but also have practical experience and the ability to adapt to modern technological trends in healthcare.
Reporting Structure
The Oral Health Officer will report to the Principal Laboratory Technologist within the School of Medicine. This reporting line reflects the integrated nature of the role, which combines both clinical and academic responsibilities.
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities
The Oral Health Officer will undertake a diverse range of tasks, all of which are critical to the functioning of the School of Medicine and to the wider university community. The responsibilities are designed to ensure that oral health services are effectively delivered while also contributing to academic excellence and community engagement.
1. Clinical Services
- Provision of Preventive, Promotive, and Curative Services: Deliver oral healthcare to students, staff, and patients, focusing on the prevention of oral diseases, the promotion of good oral hygiene, and the treatment of dental and oral health conditions.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Conduct thorough examinations, identify oral health conditions, and design treatment plans that are both effective and patient-centered.
- Management of Common Oral Conditions: Treat a wide variety of oral health issues, ranging from dental caries and gum disease to more complex oral pathologies, ensuring appropriate follow-up and patient care.
2. Oral Health Education and Awareness
- Community and Institutional Awareness: Organize and conduct oral health education sessions targeted at students, staff, and patients to promote better oral hygiene practices.
- Patient Education: Provide individual counseling and advice to patients, helping them understand their conditions and the necessary preventive measures.
- Public Engagement: Support MKU’s mission of community service by participating in outreach initiatives, workshops, and oral health campaigns in surrounding communities.
3. Academic and Student Support
- Supervision of Students: Guide and mentor dental and oral health students during clinical sessions, ensuring they acquire practical skills aligned with professional standards.
- Demonstration of Clinical Procedures: Provide hands-on demonstrations and ensure students understand techniques, equipment use, and patient care protocols.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Assess students’ performance during clinical practice and provide constructive feedback to enhance their learning experience.
4. Outreach and Community Engagement
- Dental Outreach Programs: Actively participate in organizing and executing dental outreach programs, often targeting underserved communities where access to dental care is limited.
- Community Oral Health Initiatives: Collaborate with local health organizations, NGOs, and government bodies to raise awareness and deliver oral health services at the grassroots level.
5. Equipment and Instrumentation
- Sterilization and Maintenance: Ensure that dental instruments and equipment are properly maintained, sterilized, and safely handled in accordance with best practices and regulatory standards.
- Inventory Management: Monitor and maintain stock levels of essential consumables and instruments, liaising with relevant departments to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
6. Record Keeping and Reporting
- Accurate Documentation: Maintain clear, precise, and confidential patient records in compliance with professional and institutional standards.
- Reports and Analysis: Prepare and submit regular reports on service delivery, patient volumes, and clinical outcomes to inform decision-making within the School of Medicine.
7. Other Duties
- Ad Hoc Assignments: Execute other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head of Department, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in supporting the university’s mission.
Why Work at MKU?
Working at MKU offers more than just employment; it provides an opportunity to be part of an institution dedicated to innovation, growth, and community service. Employees enjoy a dynamic academic environment that encourages professional development, research opportunities, and engagement in community projects.
The university’s inclusive culture fosters collaboration across faculties and departments, ensuring that staff members are supported as they deliver excellence in teaching, research, and service. Additionally, MKU is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and fairness in recruitment and career progression.
Application Process
Candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to apply through the official MKU recruitment portal. Applicants are required to indicate their salary expectations in their cover letter and ensure that all relevant academic and professional documents are uploaded for consideration.
Please note the following important points:
- Mount Kenya University is an equal opportunity employer.
- The university does not charge any fee for the recruitment and selection process.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Deadline
The application deadline for this position is Monday, 6th October 2025. Early applications are encouraged to allow for timely processing.
Conclusion
This is an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about oral health and committed to making a positive difference in both academic and community settings. By joining MKU as an Oral Health Officer, you will not only advance your career but also contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya and beyond.
