As kindergarten registration begins, the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD), in partnership with Mott Children’s Health Center, would like to remind families that each student entering kindergarten is required to have a dental screening. Children’s oral health is about much more than their smile; dental problems can lead to difficulties in school and increased absences. Kindergarteners in Genesee County are eligible to receive a FREE screening provided through GCHD’s Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) Program. 

In 2023, Michigan enacted Public Act 316, which requires a dental screening for all kindergarten students. The purpose of the law is to identify untreated dental disease early, connect children and their families to a dental home for ongoing care, and provide oral health education. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the program statewide and it is implemented locally through health departments such as GCHD. 

Why is it important? 

• Tooth decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease in children.  

• Almost half of Michigan Head Start children have tooth decay, and close to one-third have tooth decay that hasn’t been treated. 

• Dental pain can make it hard for children to pay attention in school, prevent them from eating well, and keep them awake at night. All of this can affect their ability to learn and perform well in school. 

• Children with poor dental health are three times more likely to miss school because of dental problems. 

Program Details:  

• A dental professional will look into the child’s mouth and note what they see on the KOHA Assessment Form. No treatment is done – it’s simply a quick look in the mouth. They will let parents and guardians know if the child needs to see a dentist.  

• There is no cost if Mott Children’s Health Center provides the assessment. If a child receives an oral exam through their dental office, the exam may be billed through the parent or guardian’s insurance. 

• Screenings can be done up to six months prior to or anytime within the kindergarten year. Many schools have on-site assessments during the school year. Parents and guardians can also take the MDHHS-6280, Certificate of Dental Screening to their regular dentist to have them complete and then return a copy to the school. 

“KOHA has made a huge impact on our young children entering kindergarten,” said Leslie Pickard, RDH, Hygiene Supervisor at Mott Children’s Health Center. “Many of the children we see at our KOHA events have not been to a dentist yet and have urgent needs. Because of KOHA, we can ensure that kindergarteners have the dental health support they need to be successful in school.” 

More Resources: 

• Visit our list of dental providers in Genesee County that accept some form of Medicaid. 

• Children without dental coverage may qualify for the Healthy Kids Dental Program. 

• For more information, visit our flyers for parents, schools, and providers.  

GCHD provides services on behalf of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. GCHD is committed to enhancing community well-being in Genesee County by preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting against environmental hazards. Our mission is to create a healthier, safer environment for all residents. 

For more information about the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) Program visit www.geneseecountymi.gov. For schools interested in scheduling an oral screening event, contact us at KOHA@geneseecountymi.gov.