Dental disease is one of the most common reasons for school absences. It can make it difficult for children to concentrate and learn. Having a healthy mouth helps a child do well in school.
To make sure a child is ready for school, California law AB 1433, signed into law in 2006, requires that a child have an oral health assessment or dental check-up in his or her first year in public school (kindergarten or first grade). A completed Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) by a licensed dental professional meets this requirement.
The KOHA helps schools identify children suffering from untreated dental disease and helps parents establish a dental home for their children. KOHA data also allows the County and providers to prioritize areas for linkage-to-dental care services, oral health education initiatives, family engagement, and increased access initiatives.
Click on more information for KOHA forms and additional resources.