There are many new state laws that took effect with the new year. That includes a dental checkup law that all parents need to be aware of.

The law states that children must have a dental checkup by May 31st of their first year of public school.

For most children, it should be done for kindergarten. If a child did not attend a public kindergarten, the checkup will be needed for first grade.

The California Dental Association, which sponsored the legislation, said the law was intended to raise awareness of the importance of oral health.

According to a 2000 Surgeon General's report on oral health in the nation, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year because of dental-related illness. Dental disease was cited as the most chronic childhood disease -- five times more common than asthma.

Dr. Mary O'Connor, a pediatric dentist, talked to "Good Morning San Diego" about the new law and why it is so important.

Click on the video icon above to watch the segment.

Click here to read the details of the new law.