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

 

Need a Dental Screening for Your Child?

Free School Dental Screenings

VBCDHD offers free dental screenings at all schools in Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien counties.

How to Take Part:

  1. Ask your child’s school when screenings are scheduled.

  2. Call VBCDHD for more info or dates.

  3. Already have a dentist? Ask them to fill out the KOHA Dental Form and return it to the school.

Download the form below or bring it to your child’s next dental visit.

More About
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

See if your children are eligible to get great dental coverage at no cost to you. 

Learn More
KOHA Form

Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment

Use this form to be completed and returned to your childs school or bring to your child's dentist.

Download KOHA Form Here
Kindergarten Oral Health Program

Contact Information

Emily Flowers, RDH

Dental Outreach Coordinator, Clinician.

269-621-3143 ext. 1337 | emilys@vbcassdhd.org

Other Oral Health Resources

  • Michigan Dental Association – A valuable resource for dental health news, tips, and professional support.

  • American Dental Association – Offers a wide range of dental health information for families and healthcare professionals.

  • Dental Information – Access helpful articles and tips to maintain good oral hygiene.

  • Crest – Learn about products designed to support healthy teeth and gums for your family.

  • Colgate – Offers oral health resources, including tips for keeping your child’s smile healthy.