Patients of Philadelphia dentist urged to test for HIV and hepatitis, Smiles at Rittenhouse Square closed - CBS News

Updated on: May 20, 2026 / 11:54 PM EDT / CBS Philadelphia Health officials have shut down a Center City Philadelphia dental clinic and are urging former patients to get tested after possible exposure to the diseases Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. The Pennsylvania Department of State has suspended the license of Dr. Kirti Chopra, the practicing dentist, at Smiles at Rittenhouse Square, also known as Smiles on the Square, due to unsanitary conditions. The practice is now closed due to the dentist's suspension. There are no known infections connected to the practice, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health believes the list of infections is low. The department is now working with the clinic to get a list of patients who visited between April 2025 and May 2026. Those patients will be contacted via mail about the situation and will be recommended to get tested. There will also be a letter to take to their healthcare provider explaining the situation. James Garrow, communications director for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, said the office was shut down May 15 because officials verified that the office was not using proper sanitization and safety procedures. "Anytime people have sharp instruments in their mouths, I mean, the potential for transfer of bloodborne pathogens can happen," Garrow said. A statement from the Pennsylvania Department of State, which is also investigating the business, says Chopra's license was suspended "because her continued practice of dentistry presents a clear and immediate danger to public health and safety." The city health department says it will work with the clinic staff to address infection-control methods and provide re-education. The clinic won't be able to reopen until the department's satisfied that all unsafe practices have been addressed — and the dentist's license has been reinstated. Chopra, whose name is posted outside the practice, issued a statement through her attorney saying she is cooperating with authorities. "Dr. Chopra will continue working cooperatively with public-health officials regarding patient notification, testing recommendations, and any required infection-control remediation," the statement read. "Because this matter is also the subject of an active regulatory proceeding, Dr. Chopra will not litigate the facts through the media." Documents from the state investigation say Chopra admitted to reusing single-use items such as anesthesia vials that put patients at risk of transmission of hepatitis and HIV and outbreaks of viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Documents also show dental handpieces were being reused without being sanitized.  Kathleen Poliski, a patient who was last in the office two weeks ago for a teeth cleaning, said she is speechless. "I don't know how you could let this go knowing what is at stake," she said.  Poliski said she found out about the potential exposure from a post on Facebook, and she was upset the dentist didn't notify her. Another patient said she was "mortified" to see the news about the dental clinic. "If you are going to be working in people's mouths with needles and sharp objects, puncturing through the skin and what not they should be taking the right precautions and to make sure it's safe," Michelle Aminova said. A hotline has been set up for former patients with questions about possible exposure. Those patients should call 215-685-5488 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Patients can file complaints about medical providers in Philadelphia on the city's website.