This month's Office Hour brought LOHPs together to discuss school programs/KOHA. 

A few highlights from the discussion: 

• LAC LOHP: Presented on their approach to KOHA implementation, with a focus on how their LOHP performs school screenings.

• Preventive services: Most LOHPs at the Office Hour already offer fluoride varnish or sealants (via their LOHP or partners). Contact us if you’d like to connect with LOHPs doing this work.

• Data privacy: There was a question about whether there are best practices for communicating KOHA data privacy to families. It is recommended that LOHPs work with their school staff to develop unified messaging as it varies by district.  

• School engagement: Examples included working with school nurses, incorporating KOHA information into welcome packets and parent communication tools like ParentSquare, and providing technical assistance/KOHA toolkit.  

• Leveraging existing communications about KOHA updates: This CDE and CDPH joint letter informs superintendents and school administrators of the 2023 update to the KOHA form. This CDE page outlines the 2025 amendment to the law to specify that “kindergarten” includes transitional kindergarten (TK) in KOHA.  

• Resource shared: In addition to the resources COHTAC listed on the KOHA Data Part 2 S&L event page and the KOHA page, LOHPs highlighted the following resources: KOHA flyer template, SCOHR flyer template, KOHA starter manual, LAC LOHP follow up oral health screening email, and survey to school districts.