Don’t forget to schedule
your child’s required
dental check-up!

What is the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA)?

To make sure your child is ready for school, California law requires that children have a dental check-up
by May 31 in either kindergarten or first grade, whichever is their first year in public school.

Poor oral health can affect a child’s attendance, grades
and overall performance in school. The KOHA helps ensure
children are healthy and ready for a successful school year.

SCHOOL READINESS FACTS:
• Children who have poor oral health often miss more school
and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
• Children with cavities may also have difficulty eating, talking,
and concentrating in school.
• Healthy smiles make children feel confident and good
about themselves.
• Establishing good oral health habits in childhood helps
create a lifetime of healthy smiles.

HOW TO COMPLETE THE KOHA:
• Look out for a registration form that will be distributed
when you register your child for school.
• Visit or find your dental home.
• Complete a dental check-up 12 months before
entering public school for the first time or by
May 31st of their first year (Kindergarten
or 1st Grade).