Health Officials Urge Patients of Center City Dental Clinic to Seek Testing

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is urging former patients of the Smiles at Rittenhouse Square dental clinic to undergo testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The recommendation follows the suspension of the license of the clinic’s dentist, Dr. Kirti Chopra, due to the discovery of unsanitary practices at the facility located at 255 South 17th Street.

Understanding the Risk

The clinic was ordered to cease operations on May 15, 2026, after city officials verified that the office failed to adhere to necessary sanitization and safety protocols. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, which is currently investigating the practice, Dr. Chopra’s license was suspended because her “continued practice of dentistry presents a clear and immediate danger to public health and safety.”

State investigative documents reveal that Dr. Chopra admitted to reusing single-use items, including anesthesia vials, and noted that she occasionally set aside these vials for use on other patients. Investigators found that staff members used non-sterile gloved hands to handle instruments that were intended to be sterilized, and that saline bags were not replaced during implant procedures. These lapses in infection control create potential pathways for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Next Steps for Patients

While there are currently no confirmed infections linked to the practice, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is coordinating with the clinic to identify patients who visited the office between April 2025 and May 2026. Impacted individuals will be contacted by mail and provided with guidance on how to proceed with medical testing.

Key Takeaways for Patients

• Testing Recommended: Former patients are advised to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
• Dedicated Hotline: Patients with concerns or questions can contact the health department at 215-685-5488. The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. To 5 p.m.
• Provider Resources: The health department will provide documentation that patients can share with their primary care physicians to explain the situation and coordinate appropriate screening.

Ongoing Investigations and Clinic Status

The clinic remains closed pending the outcome of the state’s investigation and the implementation of required infection-control remediation. Officials have stated that the facility will not be permitted to reopen until they are satisfied that all safety violations have been corrected and the dentist’s license has been reinstated.

In a statement issued through her attorney, Dr. Chopra indicated that she is cooperating with public health officials regarding patient notification and testing recommendations. She noted that because the matter is subject to an active regulatory proceeding, she will not litigate the facts through the media.

For those who wish to file a formal complaint regarding a medical provider in Philadelphia, information is available through the city’s official website.