Resources for Partners
Are your young patients ready for Kindergarten?
Good Dental Health Leads to Better Overall Health
- Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.
- Children with poor dental health are three times more likely to miss school because of dental problems.
Have you heard?
You play a critical role!
You already know the connection – good oral health leads to optimal overall health, and the State of Michigan knows that too! Collectively, we can work towards identifying children who need further examination and establishing a dental home for each child. You play a critical role in ensuring the success of this program.
You might have already done an exam
If a child is already a patient of record and has had an examination in the past 6 months, the results of that exam will satisfy the new law. You will need to complete the 3305 Health Appraisal form (see QR code below) and give a copy of the completed form to the child’s parent or guardian. These assessments are not meant to alter your usual office protocol for exams, but documentation is needed for state reporting purposes.
Your support is critical
My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) in partnership with the Detroit Health Department is providing assessments at schools and community events. Visit [Blank] for more info.
Your collaboration in accepting referrals and providing treatment to children is critical. With your partnership, we can work together to reduce oral health disparities in our community.
How you can help
Partner toolkit
- Detroit
Partner Toolkit
Your journey starts here! The impact you will make happens when you find work that inspires you. There is so much opportunity with MCDC, including jobs for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative roles. Where would you like to start?
Parents & Guardians
Learn More
School Members
Learn More
Health Professionals
Learn More
Community Members
Learn More
FAQ
Dental cavities are the #1 most common childhood illness and cavities can cause pain. Cavities can prevent kids from eating and can keep Kids awake at night and both eating and sleep help kids learn. It is important to screen kids for health issues before they start school so if they do have cavities, then the cavities can be fixed and the kids will be well-rested, able to eat, and ready to learn!
Yes, It is Michigan law that students are also screened for hearing and vision, and these are done to make sure students can see and hear in the classroom, so they are able to learn.
This law is specifically for students entering Kindergarten, but it is highly recommended that all kids see a dentist at least once a year.
The school will give you a form, called MDHHS Health Appraisal form, that is all about the health of your student. The form will need to be completed by professionals, such as a doctor and dentist. On the MDHHS Health Appraisal form, Section V– Dental Exam or Assessment is the section that will need to be completed by a dental provider.
In Section V of the MDHHS Health Appraisal form, it asks if a child received a dental exam or dental assessment. This is language specific to dental providers, a dentist completes a dental exam, and dental hygienists/ dental therapists will complete a dental assessment. You only need to have one dental provider complete the screening.
If you learn your student has a cavity or cavities, they will need to have the cavities filled. A cavity does not stop growing on its own, it will need to be treated by a dentist. The person who completes your student’s dental screening will be able to help with appointments for follow up care.
Any dentist, dental therapist or registered dental hygienist licensed in Michigan can complete the form
A dental therapist is a newer type of provider allowed in Michigan, so they are included under the new law. However, at this time they are not many dental therapists, so you will more than likely have your student seen by a dentist or a dental hygienist.
Contact your Local Health Department for help finding a dental provider to do the screening. The school nurse or secretary may also be able to help. The school staff members are aware of this law and will know who to contact in your community for help.
There are a variety of ways to have kids in Michigan seen by a dentist or dental professional. Consider enrolling in the Michigan’s Health Kids Dental Program and contacting your Local Health Department for help finding a dental home. Michigan’s Healthy Kid Dental Program: Healthy Kids Dental Program (michigan.gov)
