City health officials are warning patients of a Center City Philadelphia dental office that they should get tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV due to unsanitary conditions at the clinic. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommended patients of the Smiles at Ri ttenhouse Square (also known as Smiles on the Square) dental office, located at 255 South 17th Street, to be tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV, Last week, officials said, the license of the dentist there — who city officials did not name in an announcement Wednesday — was temporarily revoked due to unsanitary practices. However, a review of state documents named Dr. Kirti Chopra as the dentist involved in this situation. According to the state documents, Chopra admitted to reusing vials of Septocaine — an anesthetic — and said, “she occasionally sets aside used Septocaine vials for reuse with other patients.” Chopra also did “not replace [single use] saline bags” during implant procedures and staff used “non-sterile gloved hands to place the unwrapped sterilized instruments in unsterile sterilization bags,” which led to none of the instruments classified as “sterile,” documents note. “Respondent’s actions, described above, place patients at risk for transmission of hepatitis C, hepatitis B, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as outbreaks of viral, bacterial or fungal infections,” state documents read. Health officials did say they believe the risk of infection was low and no infections due to unsanitary practices have yet been identified. Since the suspension of Chopra’s license, city officials said, the dental office has been closed. Dentist’s attorney shares response to health concerns A statement from Michael Fienman, an attorney for Chopra, says the dentist is focused on cooperating with city officials, supporting patients and addressing issues that were identified by the Department of Public Health. “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,” reads a statement from Chopra’s attorney. “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.” Currently, the city said, health officials are working with the office to obtain a list of patients that could be at risk because of this situation. Officials are seeking patients who visited the clinic between April 2025 through May 2026. Patients who are identified by the city will be receiving a letter with details on how to seek out testing, information on the potential exposure and other details, officials said. The health department also plans to re-educate members of the staff at the clinic on infection control practices. This clinic, officials said, will remain closed until the health department is satisfied that all unsafe practices have been remedied and the dentist involved has their license restored. 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. and 5 p.m., Monday though Friday. ...read more read less