Smiles at The Square Reopens Under 4-Year Probation After $15,000 Penalty
Updated
Updated · WPVI-TV · Jul 22
Smiles at The Square Reopens Under 4-Year Probation After $15,000 Penalty
3 articles · Updated · WPVI-TV · Jul 22
Summary
Thursday's reopening follows the reinstatement of owner Dr. Kirti Chopra's license, ending a closure that began in May after a surprise inspection.
Philadelphia health officials said complaints led investigators to find sterilization lapses and improper saline-bag practices that could have exposed patients to HIV and hepatitis C, though no linked cases have been identified.
Chopra disputed allegations that single-use anesthetic vials were reused, but acknowledged poor judgment, apologized, and said the office has retrained staff, revised storage and sterilization steps, and added equipment.
Four years of probation, training requirements, inspections, and $15,000 in fines and fees now govern the practice, with the city saying its safety recommendations were satisfactorily implemented.