When people think of county government, they may first think of formal meetings, budgets, or local ordinances. But National County Government Month is a reminder that county government is actually more about delivering essential services that make a positive impact on residents every day.

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) is one the departments making a difference every day. GCHD is helping local kids get ready for kindergarten through the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment, or KOHA, Program. In partnership with Mott Children’s Health Center, the program helps eligible children receive the dental screening required for kindergarten enrollment in Michigan.

It is a simple service, but an important one.

A child’s oral health can have a major impact on their school success. Dental pain and untreated oral health issues can affect sleep, concentration, attendance, and overall well-being. By helping families complete these screenings early, the county is supporting healthier children and smoother starts to the school year.

Michigan’s kindergarten dental screening requirement is now part of the school readiness process, and the Genesee County Health Department is helping make it more accessible to residents. Through the KOHA Program, eligible children can receive a free screening, giving parents and guardians one more tool as they prepare for the first day of school.

Programs like this one illustrate what Genesee County is at its core: a community service organization that invests in the future of our community by investing in residents.

For more information, check out our flyers for parents, schools, and providers.