Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID–19

To our beloved patients, friends, colleagues, and families:

Our team at Tharp and Klaus Dental Clinic appreciate the trust you have shown us during this very challenging time. We are continuing to monitor clinical guidelines for dental care related to COVID-19 pandemic, and we are constantly updating our processes and procedures as recommended by the MS State Dental Board and the Health Department. The Dental Board has provided guidelines for a staged reopening of dental offices. As we begin to reopen, you will notice the following changes:

• Prior to your appointment: Patients will be asked to complete questionnaire regarding their presence or lack of symptoms related to COVID-19. We will ask that you reschedule and see your healthcare provider if you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. If possible, we ask that you attend your appointment unaccompanied as to limit exposure
• Temperature checks: All team members and patients will be screened daily. Anyone with a temperature of 100° or higher will not be permitted to enter our building.
• Arrival: Our waiting room will continue to be closed. We ask that patients “check-in” by calling our office, letting us know you have arrived. Please include your car's make and color. Relax in your vehicle; we will be out to greet you with a warm welcome and a temperature reading. Please wear a mask to protect you and our team members.
• Additional prevention measures: Patients will be given a hydrogen peroxide oral rinse and asked to wash their hands before being taken directly to their treatment room.
• Our new wardrobe: You will notice your hygienist or assistant fully donned with PPE (personal protection equipment) happy to see you and still smiling underneath it all. Lab coats, headcover, and face shields are changed for every patient.
• Behind the scenes: As always, each room has been sanitized prior to your arrival. In addition to every surface being treated with the proper disinfection, we have added new filtration systems that remove bacteria and viruses throughout the office.
• Time to say goodbye: At the end of your appointment we will schedule your next appointment and email your receipt. We will coordinate your exit with our other patients in order to limit crossing paths.

We appreciate your understanding regarding our new procedures and hope you appreciate the added safety measures we are taking to ensure your care. We may look a little different today but are committed to delivering the same excellent service you are accustomed to. Thank you for allowing us to treat you dental health needs.

— Tharp and Klaus Dental Clinic