You may have heard about the KOHA requirement for your child to start kindergarten. Well, look no further! This blog will explain exactly what the KOHA is.
In January 2024, the State of Michigan mandated that all children beginning their first year of school must have a dental assessment completed within 6 months of the start of the school year. KOHA stands for Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment. An assessment can be done at your dentist’s office or at some local health departments. Some schools are also offering the KOHA to be performed at school. The assessment will let you know if your child has active tooth decay and whether dental care is recommended and if treatment is urgent.
Untreated dental decay can cause pain which can of course impact a child’s success in school. Additionally, poor oral health can impact a child’s growth and development in school as well as social interactions with teachers and peers. The KOHA initiative seeks to provide children and their parents with information about their oral health and to connect them with the care they need. Treating dental decay in its early stages can prevent a child from undergoing more extensive treatment later.
To set up a KOHA-compliant assessment in our office, please contact your local health department or our office directly at 248-347-0030. We look forward to helping your child’s smile thrive!