Dentist's Patients At Risk Of HIV; Philly Office Shut Down: Officials

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia dentist's license has been temporarily suspended after the state accused her clinic of unsanitary practices that put patients at risk of HIV and hepatitis.

Dr. Kirti Chopra operates Smiles at Rittenhouse Square (255 S 17th St., #2507). The State Board of Dentistry temporarily revoked her license on Friday, accusing the practice of failing to properly sterilize tools that come into contact with blood and saliva, among other allegations.

The practice, also known as Smiles on the Square, is now closed because of the suspension.

The findings came from an unannounced investigation into Chopra's infection-control practices at Smiles on March 25, according to documents Patch obtained.

Patients who were seen at the practice between April 2025 and this past May should contact their regular health care providers to get tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV, according to the Philadelphia Health Department.

"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," the city said in an advisory.

The Health Department is working with Smiles to get a list of potentially impacted patients, who will receive letters about the matter, the city says.

Chopra is the only dentist at Smiles, which doesn't employ any dental hygienists, according to the state's order to temporarily suspend her license. Several dental assistants work there, according to the clinic's website.

During the surprise investigation, the state and Philadelphia Health Department conducted interviews and observed practices at Smiles on March 25, the state says.

Chopra admitted to investigators that she sometimes sets aside single-use vials of Septocaine — an anesthetic — for reuse with other patients, the state's order says.

She's also accused of using single-use saline bags for implant procedures until the bags are empty. The clinic rarely conducts implant procedures.

Meanwhile, Chopra and staff were seen improperly sterilizing critical dental instruments, which penetrate soft tissue or bones, the state says. None of the instruments found in the office were sterile, since staff used potentially contaminated gloves to put them in possibly contaminated peel pouches, officials said.

Philadelphia's Health Department will re-educate Smiles staff and work with them to update the clinic's infection-control measures, the city says.

Smiles has declined comment, a representative told Patch.

The Health Department set up a hotline for Smiles patients with questions about the clinic or their potential exposure. Patients can call 215-685-5488 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.