Philly dental clinic shuts down as health officials urge HIV, hepatitis testing
Philadelphia health officials warned patients of Smiles at Rittenhouse Square about potential HIV and hepatitis exposure from April 2025 through May 2026 after an unannounced inspection found unsanitary practices. The clinic is closed and the sole dentist’s license was suspended for public‑health safety concerns. Officials say the risk is likely low, but a list of potentially exposed patients could be hundreds; those seen in the period should get tested, with a hotline (215-685-5488) established and guidance on testing. Hepatitis B vaccination offers protection, but there are no vaccines for HIV or hepatitis C; testing may require multiple blood draws to establish baselines and follow up. A second clinic with a similar name in the same building is not under investigation.
