Frequently Asked Questions

Early detection and treatment of dental problems can help children succeed in school.  That’s why the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services created the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA).   Kindergarteners in Michigan are eligible to receive a FREE dental screening provided by local health departments. The program is available in most Michigan counties in the 2025-2026 school year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tooth decay (dental caries) affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems, such as eating, speaking, playing, and learning. The good news is that tooth decay and other oral diseases that can affect children are preventable. The combination of dental sealants and fluoride has the potential to nearly eliminate tooth decay in school-age children.

Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This is where most tooth decay in children and teens occurs. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from decay by keeping germs and pieces of food out.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is confident that dental sealants are safe and effective for children to receive. Sealants have been shown to be a proven benefit to reduce dental decay. We focus our program on the prevention of oral health disease through Education, Dental Sealants, and Fluoride.