Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA)

Michigan passed a law to ensure kids enrolling into their first year of school have an oral health assessment prior to starting school. Michigan’s new Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) is important since poor oral health can affect a child’s attendance, grades, and overall performance in school. MI KOHA helps ensure each student is healthy and ready for a successful school year!

Visit the MDHHS KOHA Website to learn more!

**Michigan's new kindergarten dental checkup requirement helps schools identify children suffering from untreated dental disease and helps parents establish a dental home for their children.

Michigan passed a law to ensure kids enrolling into their first year of school have an oral health assessment prior to starting school as part of school readiness activities for kindergarten entry. Check with your child’s school for details, as each school notifies parents and distributes the required form, which includes information about the law, consistent with school district polices. You may also talk to your current dental provider to assist with completing this assessment.

Upcoming Clinics

Children getting ready to enter kindergarten are eligible to receive this FREE screening in our clinic. These assessments are provided FREE of charge to our residents, but you must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 517-264-5226. Scheduled clinic times are:

Date	Time
July 19	8 AM - 12 PM; 1 PM - 3:30 PM
August 16	8 AM - 12 PM; 1 PM - 3:30 PM

FAQs

What is an Oral Health Assessment?

An oral, or dental assessment is simply a look in the mouth by a dental hygienist or dentist to identify cavities, signs of disease, or other oral health problems.

Why are Oral Health Assessments Important?

Dental problems affect school attendance and test scores. Children with untreated decay often have difficulty eating, sleeping, speaking, and concentrating.

How do I get my Child’s Assessment Completed?

Just like Hearing and Vision Screenings, your child can receive their dental assessment while at school. Your child’s school coordinates with the Lenawee County Health Department’s Dental Hygienist to provide on-site, no-cost screenings.

What if my child already sees a dentist?

If your child sees a dentist regularly, the assessment can be performed by your dentist. You will need to download the Kindergarten Oral Assessment Form from the MDHHS website, have your dentist fill it out and return it to the school. Even if your child sees a dentist regularly, you can still have the assessment completed by the local health department while your child is at school for no cost, just like their Hearing and Vision Screenings.

Do my older children need an assessment?

The new dental assessment requirement is only for children entering kindergarten, but it is highly recommended that all children see a dentist twice a year.

What if the assessment shows my child has cavities or other dental problems?

Your child will be sent home with a letter stating any findings during their assessment. If you learn your child has a cavity from your parent letter, they will need to have the cavities treated by a dentist. A cavity does not stop growing on its own and can lead to pain and infection.

What if I don’t have a dentist or can’t afford one?

A list of local dental providers will be attached to your child’s oral assessment parent letter. If your child does not have dental insurance, they may be eligible for the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Program. Healthy Kids Dental is available to children who have Medicaid and are under the age of 21.

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Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA)

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