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Oral Health Curriculum Resources for Teachers

Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA)

California state law requires that children have a dental checkup by May 31st of their first year in school. The Sacramento County Oral Health Program is committed to streamlining the reporting process and encouraging district-wide participation throughout Sacramento County. 

Tooth decay affects nearly two-thirds of California's children by the time they reach third grade. Although tooth decay is​ easily preventable, it is an infection that does not heal without ​treat​ment. The infection can spread to other parts of the body. If cavities go untreated, children may develop infections severe enough to require emergency room treatment. Their adult teeth could also have permanent damage. 

The requirement for children entering kindergarten or first grade to have an oral health assessment is intended to:

  1. ​Raise awareness about the relationship between oral health, overall health, and readiness to learn.
  2. Connect children with dental professionals who can care for their oral health.
  3. ​​Encourage eligible families to enroll in Medi-Cal Dental.
  4. Assist families to identify and remove barriers to d​ental care.
  5. Provide data to support oral health advocacy.
  6. ​Serve ​as an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn about their child's oral health.​

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Resources​