Resources for Parents
Is your child ready for Kindergarten?
Good Oral Health Improves School Readiness
Children entering Kindergarten, or their first year of school, are required to have a dental assessment completed.
[Public Act 316 of 2023]
What is the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA)?
Michigan created the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA) to improve school readiness and raise awareness on the importance of good oral health.
Why is it so important?
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.
Children with poor dental health are 3 times more likely to miss school, which can affect grades and overall performance in school.
Get your child's dental assessment!
Similar to hearing and vision screenings, the oral health assessment takes no longer than 5 minutes to look for signs of tooth decay or infection by a licensed dental professional at no cost to you.
Upcoming Events
My Community Dental Centers in partnership with the City of Detroit Health Department is providing oral health assessments at schools and community events.
Looking for a Dentist?
Let us simplify your search! We have gathered a list of local dental offices. Just refer to our Dental Referral List linked below.
If your child has already visited their dental provider, within 6 months prior to the start of their Kindergarten school year, please give your child’s completed dental assessment form to their school.
Are you a School, Community Member, or Health Professional?
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FAQ
Dental cavities are the #1 most common chronic childhood disease, cavities can cause pain. Cavities can prevent children from eating and can keep them awake at night, both eating and sleeping help children learn. It is important to screen children for oral health issues before they start school so if they do have cavities, then the cavities can be fixed and children will be well-rested, able to eat, and ready to learn!
A comprehensive oral exam is done by a dentist and includes x-rays. An oral health assessment is a visual look in the mouth to identify obvious problems, no x-rays, and is done by a Registered Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist at schools or community events.
Any dentist, dental therapist or registered dental hygienist licensed in Michigan can complete the KOHA Form. Please find the KOHA Assessment Form (MDHHS-6067) at the bottom of the webpage located under Resources here.
Have your child participate in a Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment offered at their school or community event. Be sure to have your family dentist complete the KOHA Form at your child’s routine visit if the assessment will not be conducted at a school or community event. Please find the KOHA Assessment Form (MDHHS-6067) at the bottom of the webpage under resources here.
Yes, it is Michigan law that children are also screened for hearing and vision, prior to Kindergarten entry. These screenings are conducted to make sure students can see and hear in the classroom, so they are able to learn. It is now required that children also have a dental assessment completed.
Assessments will be provided at no cost to you.
This law is specifically for children entering Kindergarten, but it is highly recommended that all children see a dentist at least twice a year.
If you learn that your child has a cavity or cavities, they will need to be assessed for dental treatment. A cavity does not stop growing on its own, it will need to be treated by a dentist. The person who completes your child’s assessment or exam will provide you with a list of local dentists. Please see the dental referral list linked above.
We can help! My Community Dental Centers is providing assessments for children at schools and community events.
If your child is in need of dental treatment or routine dental care, you can download our list of local dental providers. Please see the dental referral list linked above.
There are a variety of ways to have kids in Michigan seen by a dentist or dental professional. Consider enrolling your child in Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program.
Visit Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Program Webpage: Healthy Kids Dental Program (michigan.gov)
Pre-schoolers- Can be assessed no earlier than March 1st prior to the start of their Kindergarten school year.
Young 5’s– Not considered as eligible by MDHHS until March 1st prior to the start of their Kindergarten school year.
Kindergarteners- All Kindergarteners are eligible to be assessed starting March 1st through the end of their Kindergarten school year.
1st Grade- If a child enters the school system directly into 1st grade, they will also need an assessment completed no earlier than March 1st through the end of their 1st grade school year.
