Kindergarten Oral Health Requirement
During the 2009-2010 budget negotiations, Prop 98 categorical program funding was combined and prioritized. The kindergarten dental check-up (AB 1433) requirement was designated a low priority and the funds were directed to the school district’s general fund along with other low priority program funding.
Financial support for low priority programs was reduced and the choice to continue AB 1433 activities is now at the discretion of each school. However, because dental disease is so widespread, has potential for illness and death when untreated, and causes significant amounts of absenteeism, schools are encouraged to continue to educate parents about the importance of oral health to overall health and learning, and to collect and submit AB 1433 data.
With assistance from the California Dental Association, the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) now offers FREE ACCESS to the System for California Oral Health Reporting (SCOHR), the online, statewide system of data collection. If your school, district or COE is interested in participating, please contact the SJCOE at scohr@sjcoe.net or call866.762.9170. Visit www.ab1433.org.