Center City Philadelphia dental office reopens after license suspension

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Center City dental office is set to reopen after its owner's license was temporarily suspended following an investigation into infection-control practices that health officials said put patients at risk for HIV and hepatitis C.

Dr. Kirti Chopra, owner of the practice formerly known as Smiles at Rittenhouse Square and now operating as Smiles at The Square, said the experience has been difficult and has prompted changes at the office.

"The last two months have been the most difficult and humbling experience of my life," Chopra said.

The practice, located on the 25th floor of a Center City building, has remained closed since May, when Chopra's license was temporarily suspended after a surprise inspection.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health launched an inspection after receiving complaints. Officials said they found problems with instrument sterilization procedures. They also alleged that the office set aside single-use anesthetic vials for reuse and kept saline bags for more than one procedure.

Chopra acknowledged that staff kept saline bags and replaced the tubes between patients. However, she disputed allegations involving anesthetic vials.

"The vials were not being reused in the practice," Chopra said.

The investigation examined practices that health officials said could have exposed patients to HIV and hepatitis C. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health said it is not aware of any cases of either disease associated with the office.

In a statement, the department said, "The recommendations that PDPH made to ensure patient safety have been satisfactorily implemented, and we are not opposed to the practice reopening, subject to continued compliance with their agreement with the state."

Personal injury attorney Aidan Carickhoff said patients of any dental office should be proactive about asking questions regarding the care they receive.

"Patients should always be on the lookout and make sure wherever they're getting their medical care is up to grade," Carickhoff said.

Chopra said the office has revised its sterilization and instrument-storage procedures and retrained staff members.

"We use a clean bin from the top so it's not getting contaminated," Chopra said as she demonstrated part of the new sterilization procedure, which also includes new equipment.

She also apologized for what occurred at the practice.

"There was a lack of judgement that happened there, and I'm sorry," Chopra said.

Health officials reinstated Chopra's license subject to conditions that place her under four years of probation. Those conditions include training, inspections, and $15,000 in fines and fees.

The office is scheduled to reopen Thursday.