Community Oral Health Officer (COHO)

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Full Time
Experienced

ABOUT PENDA HEALTH

Penda Health is an award-winning, innovative healthcare company dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate, and trustworthy care to every patient we serve. Our vision is for everyone in Africa to have healthcare they can trust — care that is accessible, reliable, and centred on people.

Today, our team of 500+ passionate professionals proudly operates 20 Medical Centres across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado Counties, offering a wide range of outpatient and diagnostic services.

Our dental units are housed within our medical centres — giving you the benefit of a multidisciplinary team, referral pathways, and a fully resourced clinical environment. As we continue to expand, we are building a dental team that grows with us.

At Penda, our culture is built on a place where our people grow, our patients feel valued, and our communities thrive — because we're Here When It Matters.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Oral health is one of the most overlooked parts of healthcare in Kenya — and that's exactly why this role matters.

Most people in the communities we serve have never had a proper dental check-up. Not because they don't care — but because quality dental care has always felt out of reach. 

We run 7 dental units embedded within our medical centres across Nairobi, and we're still growing. We're looking for COHOs who don't just want a job — they want to be part of something that genuinely moves the needle on oral health access.

If you're looking for a clinic where you're supported, paid reliably, and doing work that genuinely makes a difference — read on.

WHERE YOU WILL WORK

We are currently hiring for 4 full-time COHO positions across the following locations:

  • Kitengela
  • Kahawa West
  • Kariobangi South
  • Umoja 1

Our other clinics are located at Kimathi Street - CBD, Langata and Utawala Benedicta

WHAT YOUR DAY LOOKS LIKE

  • Examine patients, diagnose common oral conditions, and deliver preventive and curative care.
  • Educate patients on oral hygiene in a way that actually sticks — not just a pamphlet handout.
  • Collaborate with the dentist and broader care team to ensure oral health is part of the bigger patient picture.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential patient records and uphold the clinical standards our patients trust us for.
  • Manage your supplies and equipment — we keep clinics well-stocked so you can focus on care.
  • Join community outreach initiatives and help reach people who have never had access to dental care before.
  • Stay current on advances in dental practice and contribute to continuous quality improvement.

YOU'RE A GREAT FIT IF...

  • You hold a Diploma in Community Oral Health or a BSc in Oral Health from a recognised institution.
  • You are registered and hold a valid practising licence with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
  • You have at least 2 years of post-internship experience in a clinical dental setting.
  • You communicate clearly with patients and colleagues — you know how to put people at ease.
  • You stay organised under pressure and manage your time without needing hand-holding.
  • You are committed to continuous learning and take patient safety personally.
  • You thrive in a team environment and are willing to contribute beyond just your chair.

WHY JOIN PENDA?

We won't just tell you it's a great place to work. Here's what life at Penda actually looks like:

  • You will work in a fully equipped clinic with dental assistant support at every unit — because we believe you should spend your energy on patients, not logistics.
  • You will be part of a close-knit, passionate team that genuinely cares about each other and the communities we serve. 
  • You will have access to clinical mentorship and oversight — working alongside lead dentists on rotation and a team committed to quality care and continuous learning.

And the practical stuff matters too. Here's what comes with the role:

  • Reliable pay: Your salary lands in the bank by the 31st, every month.
  • A schedule that works: 5 days a week, one flexible weekday off plus Sundays.
  • We back your licence: 50% contribution toward your KMPDC renewal.
  • You're covered: Inpatient, outpatient, group life for you and your family.
  • Time off that means something: 21 days annual leave, compassionate leave, maternity and paternity, plus an extra leave day for every 2 years you're with us.
  • Support for nursing mothers: Breastfeeding breaks, night shift exemption, and a dedicated storage unit.
  • Someone to talk to: Free, confidential counselling for all staff — weekdays and after hours.

READY TO JOIN US?

If this sounds like your kind of place, we would love to hear from you. We review applications on a rolling basis, so don't wait.

At Penda Health, we believe the best care comes from teams that reflect the communities they serve. We welcome applications from everyone — regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or background.

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