Jackson County Health Department to administer kindergarten oral health assessments for neighboring counties under state funding

The Jackson County Health Department will accept state funding and administer the kindergarten oral health assessment contract for neighboring Barry and Eaton counties, Health Department leadership told the Board of Commissioners. The board adopted the department’s staff recommendation by voice vote.

The director said the state asked Jackson County to take on the contract after Barry and Eaton "opted out," and that Jackson County would retain 10 percent of the contract for administrative costs while Smiles on Wheels would perform the assessments.

"Smiles on Wheels does all of the work," the director said. Under the arrangement, Smiles on Wheels invoices Jackson County quarterly and the county uses its portion of the funds for required reporting and limited staff time. The director said the county would receive roughly $83,000 for the program and retain about $8,300 for administration.

Commissioners asked whether the county has staff capacity to administer the additional contract work. The director said the county’s required administrative tasks are limited and that Smiles on Wheels is responsible for scheduling, school visits and direct service; county staff will perform reporting functions and oversee contract compliance. The director also said Smiles on Wheels must carry liability insurance and comply with contract provisions.

Commissioners raised the broader policy context: the director said the program expanded through phased implementation and that a recent legislative change made kindergarten oral health assessments mandatory statewide in 2025; several departments across the state considered the program an unfunded mandate because of the cost of local administration.

The board voted to adopt the staff recommendation; the motion carried with all voting "aye."