Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA)

Ensuring Healthy Smiles for Michigan’s Kindergarteners

Serving Van Buren, Cass and Berrien Counties

Kindergartner’s Free Dental Screening

The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA) helps ensure children start school with a healthy smile. This FREE dental screening is available to kindergarteners in Van Buren and Cass counties during the 2025-2026 school year.

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Why Early Dental Health Matters

  • Our dental outreach program has been serving communities for 12 years, helping thousands of children maintain healthy teeth.
  • More than 10,000 toothbrushes were distributed to school students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Tooth decay is preventable, yet it affects nearly 46% of children in the U.S.
  • 51 million school hours are missed each year due to oral health issues.
  • Cavities are five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.

Learn more about the facts on Kindergarten Dental Screenings. 

Program Impact & Outreach

For over 12 years, the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) Program has helped thousands of children by bringing free dental screenings to schools across Van Buren, Cass and Berrien counties.

Program Highlights:

  • 1,208 total dental assessments completed
  • 663 children had no dental concerns
  • 346 cases of untreated decay identified
  • 271 children received treatment for decay
  • 296 referrals for dental treatment
  • 46 urgent care referrals

New Dental Screening Form Starting October 1, 2025

The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) program will begin using a new form called the Certificate of Dental Screening (MDHHS-6280).

After your child is screened, you will receive this new certificate card.

Parents can also download and print the official card (postcard size A6) using the link below.

Download NEW Screening Form
Does Your Child Need a Dental Screening?

Here’s how to get one:

  • Check with your child’s school to see when screenings will take place.
  • Call the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) for screening dates or more details.
  • Already have a dentist? Ask them to fill out the new Certificate of Dental Screening (MDHHS-6280) at your child’s next visit.

Download Dental Screening Card:

KOHA Program Details

Find out more about MDHHS Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment program and find additional helpful resources.

Learn More
Additional Coverage

Delta Dental Healthy Kids – Check if your child qualifies for free dental coverage.


Learn More

KOHA Program Contact

Emily Flowers, RDH

Dental Outreach Coordinator, Clinician.

269-621-3143 ext. 1337 

Other Oral Health Resources