Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood and is responsible for 51 million missed school hours nationally each year. In Michigan, almost half of Head Start children have tooth decay and close to one-third have untreated decay. If left untreated, it can cause children pain, inability to eat certain foods, and loss of sleep. To address childhood tooth decay, the Michigan Department of Human Health Services launched the Kindergartener’s Oral Health Assessment Program.
