Journal of the California Dental Association (Dec 2024)
Completing the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) Using an AI-Supported Remote Assessment Process
Abstract
Aim The primary aim of this study was to compare the results of the California-mandated Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) performed by in-person dental hygienists with the KOHA performed by a remote dentist using a specified set of decision support tools and information.Methods After training and calibration, KOHAs were completed at five schools in two California counties by two in-person dental hygienists, an in-person non-dental screener, and a remote dentist facilitated by a teledentistry support system. The results of the ratings of three KOHA measures were compared among screeners.Results The results indicated that using the methodology employed in this study resulted in at least equivalent, and in some cases superior, results from the KOHA performed by the remote dentist compared to the KOHA performed by the in-person dental hygienists.Conclusions The methods and systems used in this study have the potential to improve the ability of schools to complete the California-mandated KOHA. However, there are barriers to widespread adoption, including the lack of an established mechanism to pay for this type of assessment system.Practical Implications If payment mechanisms, training, and calibration support can be established, the methods and systems used in this demonstration could improve the ability to identify children who already have dental disease at the time they start school, help facilitate getting that disease treated, address the significant consequences of children attending school with untreated dental disease, and improve oral health equity.Continuing Education Credit Available: A CDA Continuing Education quiz is online for this article: https://www.cdapresents360.com/learn/catalog/view/20The practice worksheet is available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2024.2426962
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