Fluoride Varnish
- Quick Application: The procedure is fast, usually taking just a few minutes.
- Moisture-Friendly: Unlike treatment such as fluoride trays, fluoride varnish doesn’t require your teeth to be completely dry.
- Immediate Eating and Drinking: You can drink liquids and eat soft food immediately after application.
- Long-Lasting Protection: The varnish continues to protect your teeth even after it’s been applied.
ICHD provides Fluoride Varnish for children ages 6 months – 6 years. They can have the treatment done up to 4x in a year. If your child is on WIC, you will be offered Fluoride Varnish treatment while you are here for their WIC appointment. If you are not on WIC but would like your child to get Fluoride varnish treatments, you can call 616-527-5341 and ask to speak to someone about scheduling them for a treatment. Our Fluoride Varnish is applied by trained nurses here at ICHD and is at no cost to you. If you have insurance, your insurance can be billed. The treatment is quick and easy.
Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA)
What Is KOHA?
Similar to hearing and vision screenings, the oral health assessment takes no longer than 5 minutes to look for signs of tooth decay or infection by a licensed dental professional at no cost to you.
Why It Matters
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. Kids with poor dental health are three times more likely to miss school, which can affect grades and overall well- being. Addressing oral health early supports school readiness and healthy development.
KOHA in Ionia County
The Ionia County Health Department (ICHD) partners with My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) to provide Registered Dental Hygienists for free KOHA assessments for all kindergarten students in Ionia County.
How to Get Your Child’s Assessment
- Community Assessments – Free KOHA assessments are available at preschools, Head Start programs, school enrollment events, and other community locations before the school year begins.
- In-School Assessments – KOHA assessments may also be provided during the kindergarten school year.
- Your Family Dentist – You may have your dentist complete the MDHHS-6280 form and return it to your child’s school. If your child has had a dental visit within 6 months of the first day of school, ask the dentist to complete the form.
For upcoming assessment events, a list of dentists accepting patients, and more, visit MCDC’s Parent Page.
For Schools & Community Partners
Your partnership is critical in helping every kindergartener get their oral health assessment. Here’s how you can help:
- Access Partner Resources – Request KOHA materials such as FAQs, parent handouts, flyers, and talking points to share with families.
- Spread the Word – Share KOHA information with families through newsletters, enrollment packets, websites, and social media.
- Host an Assessments– Invite MCDC to provide assessments during the school day, pre-enrollment events, Kindergarten Round-Up, or other community gatherings.
- Refer Families – If you encounter a child who hasn’t had an assessment, connect them with MCDC or a local dentist who can complete the form.
- Support Follow-Up Care – Join us by becoming a referral partner to work with families to help them access dental treatment if the assessment identifies a need.
- Join Our Partner Network – Collaborate with MCDC to improve access to oral health care for children in Ionia County.
To schedule assessments, request outreach materials, or become a KOHA partner, visit MCDC’s Partner Page.
Contact KOHA_ION@mydental.org or call (616) 794-8103 for more information.
