Patients of Philadelphia dentist urged to test for HIV and hepatitis, Smiles at Rittenhouse Square closed
CBS News • • health
Key Points:
- Philadelphia health officials have closed the Smiles at Rittenhouse Square dental clinic and suspended the dentist's license due to unsanitary conditions that may have exposed patients to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
- No infections have been confirmed, and the health department believes the risk of infection is low, but former patients from April 2025 to May 2026 are being urged to get tested.
- The department is working with the clinic to notify affected patients by mail and provide them with letters for healthcare providers explaining the situation.
- The clinic will remain closed until infection control issues are resolved and the dentist's license is reinstated, with ongoing cooperation from Dr. Kirti Chopra, who is under investigation.
- A hotline (215-685-5488) has been established for former patients to ask questions about potential exposure, available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.