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Dental Providers

Dental Providers

Michigan’s Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program

Dental problems can prevent children from reaching their full learning potential.  To improve school readiness, Michigan created the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA).  These dental assessments identify children with unmet dental needs and refer them for treatment.  The program aims to increase access to dental care, facilitate establishment of dental homes, and raise families’ awareness of the importance of good oral health.

The Role of Dental Providers 

Your participation is essential to meeting MDHHS' overarching goal of improving oral health among Michigan’s children.   Beyond providing dental assessments in your office, your collaboration in accepting referrals and providing treatment is a critical link in an effective system of screening, referral, and treatment of children with unmet dental needs.

What Dental Providers Need to Know

  • Parents may request your office perform a KOHA assessment.  The majority of KOHA dental assessments will likely be done by local health departments, similar to the State’s hearing and vision screening programs.  However, parents may request that the assessment be done by your office instead.  
  • The assessment will not alter your usual office protocols for new or existing patients.  The only additional part of the visit is completion of the required Certificate of Dental Screening.  
  • Either a dental examination or a dental assessment will meet state requirements.  The assessment can be done within 6 months prior to the start of kindergarten or during the kindergarten school year.  Either a dentist or registered dental hygienist can provide the service within their scope of practice. 
  • Results should be documented on the Certificate of Dental Screening.  The completed form should be given to the parent or guardian to return to the school.

Resources

Contact

MDHHS-KOHA@michigan.gov