Dental problems can prevent children from reaching their full learning potential. To improve school readiness, Michigan created the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the program, and it is carried out through local health departments. Local health departments provide free dental assessments (screenings) to children getting ready to enter kindergarten at places like preschools, Head Start programs, school enrollment events, and community screening events before the start of kindergarten. Michigan’s Public Health Code Act 368 Section 333.9316 ensures children enrolling into their first year of school have an oral health assessment prior to starting school. This assessment will identify if your child has any dental problems that require attention by a dentist. Subcontractor Scope of Work: • Perform oral health assessments as described by all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and all administrative rules, regulations, and ordinances, including those required for their PA 161 designation and mobile dental facility permit approval. PA 161 Program • Perform oral health assessments as described by all guidance included in the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Program Guidelines https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023- 2024/publicact/pdf/2023-PA-0316.pdf and Dental Providers • In collaboration with Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services’ Personal Health Services Division, develop an outreach plan to inform families, schools, daycare facilities, and other relevant stakeholders of the Dental Screening Program. This plan shall include working collaboratively with schools and other relevant community partners to publicize and host screening events. • The subcontracted agency shall conduct oral health assessments at a minimum rate of 50% of the total number of kindergarteners eligible for free or reduced lunch within the Kalamazoo County jurisdiction. Page 3 of 18 • Staff conducting oral health assessments must possess a valid Michigan license to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Dentist or Dental Essential Functions Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments (dental screenings) to perform visual dental screenings, interpret screening results and issue referrals to families for dental treatment as findings warrant. o Referrals should be made to families in English, Arabic, Spanish or French. o Must follow up on urgent referrals as outlined in agency follow-up protocols. o Record results of each screening on MDHHS-required form; document screening results in MDHHS database. • The subcontracted agency must: o Develop referral mechanism with local dental providers. o Maintain screening supplies inventory. o Attend required trainings and meetings and comply with all MDHHS KOHA program requirements. o Provide routine program reports and data to the local health department (minimum frequency of quarterly). o Provide all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and all clinical supplies/equipment as needed to perform the screenings. • The subcontracted agency shall adhere to all applicable safety and infection and control standards while providing the dental assessments. • Subcontracted agency must be both designated as a grantee health agency under P.A. 161 and permitted to operate as a Mobile Dental Facility within the State of Michigan. PA 161 Program
