Dental disease is one of the most common reasons for school absences. It can make it hard 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).
The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) helps schools identify children suffering from untreated dental disease and helps parents establish a dental home for their children. A completed KOHA by a licensed dental professional meets this requirement.