The Pennsylvania Department of State has issued a temporary suspension of the dentist’s license for this clinic due to unsafe conditions.
PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is recommending that patients of the Smiles at Rittenhouse Square dental clinic (also known as Smiles on the Square), located at 255 South 17th Street, #2507, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, contact their regular healthcare providers to be tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV. Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of State temporarily suspended the license of the dentist practicing at this clinic due to unsanitary practices. 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. Due to the suspension, the practice is now closed.

The Health Department is working with the clinic to obtain a list of patients who were seen at this clinic between April 2025 and May 2026 and will be sending a letter to these patients with information about the situation. This letter will include a recommendation to seek out testing, information on the patient’s potential exposure, information on City clinics that can provide the needed testing, and a letter to take to their healthcare provider explaining the situation.

Staff from the Health Department will work with this clinic’s staff to update their infection control practices and re-educate them. The PA Department of State is also conducting a separate investigation. The clinic will not be allowed to reopen until the Health Department is satisfied that all unsafe practices have been remedied and the dentist’s license has been reinstated.

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 8:30am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

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