Frequently Asked Questions

An oral, or dental assessment is simply a look in the mouth by a dental hygienist or dentist to identify cavities, signs of disease, or other oral health problems.

Dental problems affect school attendance and test scores. Children with untreated decay often have difficulty eating, sleeping, speaking, and concentrating. 

Just like Hearing and Vision Screenings, your child can receive their dental assessment while at school. Your child’s school coordinates with the Lenawee County Health Department’s Dental Hygienist to provide on-site, no-cost screenings. 

If your child sees a dentist regularly, the assessment can be performed by your dentist. You will need to download the Kindergarten Oral Assessment Form from the MDHHS website, have your dentist fill it out and return it to the school. Even if your child sees a dentist regularly, you can still have the assessment completed by the local health department while your child is at school for no cost, just like their Hearing and Vision Screenings. 

The new dental assessment requirement is only for children entering kindergarten, but it is highly recommended that all children see a dentist twice a year. 

Your child will be sent home with a letter stating any findings during their assessment. If you learn your child has a cavity from your parent letter, they will need to have the cavities treated by a dentist. A cavity does not stop growing on its own and can lead to pain and infection. 

A list of local dental providers will be attached to your child’s oral assessment parent letter. If your child does not have dental insurance, they may be eligible for the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Program. Healthy Kids Dental is available to children who have Medicaid and are under the age of 21.