Vision, Hearing and Oral Health Screenings
Vision and Hearing Screening
Vision and hearing screenings are an important part of preparing children for school. Because children do not always recognize or communicate that they are having trouble seeing or hearing, routine screenings can identify concerns early. Detecting vision or hearing problems before they affect learning gives children the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom and throughout life.
Vision and hearing screenings help to:
- Identify vision or hearing concerns that children may not recognize themselves.
- Detect problems early, when treatment is often most effective.
- Help prevent vision or hearing issues from interfering with learning, communication, and development.
- Ensure children begin school healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
Who is Eligible:
St. Clair County children entering preschool or kindergarten in Fall 2026.
Services Offered:
- Vision Screenings: Conducted for preschool children (ages 3 to 5) and students in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and during driver’s education.
- Hearing Screenings: Conducted for preschool children (ages 3 to 5) and students in kindergarten, grade 2, and grade 4.
- Follow-up Care: Additional testing is performed for any child who does not pass the initial screening.
- Special Requests: Teachers, health care providers, or parents may request screenings through the health department.
The Hearing and Vision programs were first legislated in 1949. Michigan’s Public Health Code requires screenings during the preschool years (ages 3 to 5) and again prior to entering kindergarten.
Who Pays:
There is no charge for vision and hearing screening for children.
Scheduling and Appointments:
Screenings will be available Tuesday, August 25, 2026, through September 10, 2026. Families who are unable to attend during the August–September screening period can schedule an appointment October through June on the first Wednesday of each month.
- Schedule an appointment by phone: (810) 987-5300 ext. 1474
- Schedule an appointment online: Schedule a vision or hearing screening
Location:
All screenings will be conducted at the St. Clair County Health Department's main office, located at 220 Fort Street in Port Huron.
Click here to visit the Vision and Hearing webpage for additional information.
Oral Health Screening
Public Act 316 of 2023 was recently enacted which sets forth the requirement that all children in Michigan enrolling in their first year of school receive an oral health assessment (“dental screening”) prior to starting school. This requirement began with the 2024-25 school year.
What to Do:
- Download/fill out this form MDHHS-6067 Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment
- Have your child’s Dentist fill out and complete the form
- Take the completed form and give it to your child’s school where they will be attending Kindergarten in the Fall
Who is Eligible:
St. Clair County children entering preschool or kindergarten in Fall 2026.
Services Offered:
- Oral Health Screening through Smiles on Wheels
Who Pays:
There is no charge for an oral health screening for children.
Scheduling and Appointments:
Smiles on Wheels will be on-site at the St. Clair County Health Department to complete Oral Health screening on the following dates:
- August 27th
- September 1st
- September 2nd
- September 3rd
- Schedule an appointment by phone: (810) 987-5300
- Schedule an appointment online: Schedule an oral health screening
Location:
All screenings will be conducted at the St. Clair County Health Department's main office, located at 220 Fort Street in Port Huron.
Documents: