Philadelphia Health Department warns of exposure at Smiles at Rittenhouse Square | What patients should know
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Patients at a dental clinic in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse section are being warned of possible exposure to HIV and hepatitis due to unsafe practices, according to the health department.
Dr. Kirti Chopra’s dentistry license has been suspended, and her practice, Smiles at Rittenhouse Square, located at 255 South 17th Street, has been closed while the investigation continues.
Health officials are recommending patients of the clinic contact their regular health care provider to be tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV.
The Pennsylvania Department of State temporarily suspended the license of the dentist practicing at this clinic last week due to apparent unsanitary practices.
The case began after the state health department alerted the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to complaints.
“They had received complaints of this dentist and conducted an investigation. Our team went out with them to document the practices at the dentist office,” said James Garrow, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
According to the order, Chopra occasionally set aside used single-use anesthetic vials for reuse, and did not replace saline bags used for implant procedures until they were empty, just to name two examples.
“It ends up being a possibility of transfer of bodily fluids between patients,” Garrow said.
The city health department believes that the risk of infection is low and is not aware of any infections as a result of these unsafe practices.
Officials are working with the clinic to obtain a list of patients who were seen at the clinic between April 2025 and May 2026, and will be sending a letter out with information about the situation.
The letter will include a recommendation to seek out testing, information on the patient’s potential exposure, information on city clinics that can provide the needed testing, and a letter to take to their healthcare provider explaining the situation.
An attorney representing the practice said Chopra is cooperating with authorities.
In a statement, the attorney said, “Dr. Chopra will continue working cooperatively with public health officials regarding patient notification, testing recommendations, and any required infection-control remediation.”
Residents in the Rittenhouse Square area expressed surprise at the situation.
“I am a little surprised because you would trust a medical professional,” said Susan Kahn.
“Rule of thumb, I would assume that any dentist I go to would use the proper sanitation techniques, so that’s pretty absurd,” added Mark Johnson.
Staff from the health department will be working with the clinic’s staff to update their infection control practices and reeducate them, according to officials.
The Health Department has set up a hotline for patients of Smiles at Rittenhouse Square who may have questions about the clinic or about their potential exposure. Those patients can call 215-685-5488 between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for next month.
FULL STATEMENT: Counsel for Dr. Kirti Chopra and Smiles at Rittenhouse Square released a statement:
“Dr. Chopra understands that patients may be concerned by today’s announcement from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Patient safety is the priority, and Dr. Chopra is cooperating with the Department of Public Health and the Pennsylvania Department of State.
We note that the Department of Public Health has stated that it believes the risk of infection is low and that it is not aware of any infections resulting from the practices identified in its investigation. Dr. Chopra will continue working cooperatively with public-health officials regarding patient notification, testing recommendations, and any required infection-control remediation.
Because this matter is also the subject of an active regulatory proceeding, Dr. Chopra will not litigate the facts through the media. Her focus remains on cooperation with the appropriate authorities, supporting patients, and addressing the issues identified by the Department.
Patients with questions should follow the guidance issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, contact their regular healthcare provider, or call the Department’s patient hotline at 215-685-5488.”
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