A Philadelphia dentist whose office closed over infection control violations plans to reopen the practice this month after her license was reinstated, NBC10 Philadelphia reported July 22.
Smiles at Rittenhouse Square was shut down and the license of Kirti Chopra, DDS, was temporarily suspended in May after city health officials reported several violations, including the practice reusing single-use items, such as saline bags and Septocaine vials, and not practicing proper sterilization techniques.
The violations placed patients at risk of transmitting hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV, leading the city health department to contact patients and recommend testing. Investigators also warned of potential outbreaks of bacterial or fungal infections.
Dr. Chopra’s license was reinstated this month. As part of an agreement with the board, Dr. Chopra must pay a $14,000 fine, serve four years of probation, implement new infection control protocols, complete additional staff training and submit to unannounced inspections.
Dr. Chopra said there have been no known cases of HIV or hepatitis transmission connected to her practice.
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