Possible HIV, hepatitis exposure at Philadelphia dental clinic due to unsafe practices: PDPH

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.

The possible exposure was at Smiles on the Square, located at 255 South 17th Street.

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 unsanitary practices. Due to the suspension, the practice is now closed.

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.

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.

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."