Resources for Partners
Are your young students or patients ready for Kindergarten?
Have you heard?
Children entering Kindergarten or their first year of school are required [Public Act 316 of 2023] to have a dental assessment completed within 6 months prior to the start of the school year.
The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA) has the goal of promoting school readiness and increasing awareness on the significance of good oral health.
You play a critical role!
You already know the connection – good oral health leads to optimal overall health, and the State of Michigan knows that too! Collectively, we can work towards identifying signs of decay or infection and establishing a dental home for each child. You play a critical role in ensuring the success of this program.
Your support is essential
My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) in partnership with the Allegan County Health Department is providing assessments at schools and community events.
With your partnership, we can work together to reduce oral health disparities in our community.
Here is how YOU can help
Join us in raising awareness among caregivers, educators, and community partners about the KOHA Program (Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment) law.
I'm an Educator/Staff
Children entering Kindergarten or their first year of school are required [Public Act 316 of 2023] to have a dental assessment completed within 6 months prior to the start of school.
Schools should include dental assessment information and the KOHA Assessment form in registration packets, promote assessments through various channels, and maintain proof of assessment completion in students’ health files.
Invite us to provide assessments at your school- at a pre-enrollment event, round-up, health fair, or open house. Schedule a time to chat or contact Stacy (Sroberts@mydental.org) to learn more.
We offer FAQs and downloadable materials to assist in training teachers, peer educators, and caregivers. Find all those resources here.
I'm a Health/Dental Professional
These assessments are not meant to alter your usual office protocol for exams, but documentation is needed for state reporting purposes.
If a child is already a patient of record and has had an examination 6 months before the start of school, the results of that exam will satisfy the new law. Results should be documented on the KOHA Assessment Form.
Your collaboration in accepting referrals and providing treatment to children is critical. With your partnership, we can work together to reduce oral health disparities in our community. Schedule a time to chat or contact Stacey (SRoberts@mydental.org) to learn more.
We offer FAQs and downloadable materials to assist in training teachers, peer educators, and caregivers. Find all those resources here.
I'm a Community Partner
Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, children entering kindergarten or the first year of school are required [Public Act 316 of 2023] to have dental assessments within 6 months prior to the start of school.
Join us in raising awareness among caregivers, educators, and community partners about the KOHA law and invite us to a pre-enrollment event/round-up, health fair or open house for assessments.
See details below on how to schedule. Dental assessments can also be done at a private dental office. Schedule a time to chat or contact Stacy (SRoberts@mydental.org) to learn more.
Consider assisting families with enrolling their student in Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental program, by visiting: tinyurl.com/5n854fwy
We offer FAQs and downloadable materials to assist in training teachers, peer educators, and caregivers. Find all those resources here.
Good Dental Health Leads to School Readiness
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. Children with poor dental health are 3 times more likely to miss school because of dental problems.
Want to make an impact? Contact or our team to get started!
or Stacy Roberts (SRoberts@mydental.org) to get started!
FAQ
Dental cavities are the #1 most common childhood illness and cavities can cause pain. Cavities can prevent children from eating and can keep them awake at night and both eating and sleep help children learn. It is important to screen children for 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!
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 children have a dental assessment before kindergarten or the first year of school.
This law is specifically for students entering Kindergarten, but it is highly recommended that all kids see a dentist at least once a year.
If an oral health assessment is completed during the school day where parent or guardian is not present – a KOHA Assessment form, Section 2– Dental Exam or Assessment will need to be completed by professionals, such as a doctor and dentist. Completed assessment forms or KOHA Assessment forms should be collected by or turned in to the school.
In Section V of the MDHHS Health Appraisal form, it asks if a child received a dental exam or dental assessment. This is language specific to dental providers, a dentist completes a dental exam, and dental hygienists/ dental therapists will complete a dental assessment. You only need to have one dental provider complete this service.
The results of the oral health assessment will be provided to the parent or guardian, and the school. If a child has signs of cavities parents will be provided with a list of dentists accepting children. The school will also be notified of children with urgent dental needs.
Any dentist, dental therapist or registered dental hygienist licensed in Michigan can complete this form.
Pre-schoolers- Can be seen no earlier than March 1st prior to the start of their Kindergarten school year.
Kindergarteners- All Kindergarteners are eligible for KOHA starting March 1st-the last day of the Kindergarten school year.
1st Grade- If a child enters the school system directly into 1st grade, they will also need an assessment completed.
Young 5’s- Not considered as eligible by MDHHS until March 1st (same as pre-school requirement)
