NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Santa Clarita, CA: A California dentist is facing widespread criticism after a resurfaced video showed her joking that she provides “different care” to patients who are not supporters of President Donald Trump.
Dr. Harleen Grewal, who practices at Skyline Smiles in Santa Clarita, is seen in the video saying she sometimes wears a hat that reads “Make Your Smile Great Again” while working on patients. In the clip, she quips, “When they look horrified or complain, I quietly cut back on the laughing gas.”
The video, which appears to date back to around 2021, recently went viral after being shared widely on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), sparking outrage and prompting many to question her professionalism and ethical standards.
Dr. Grewal later clarified that her remarks were meant as humor during a political event and were not reflective of her actual dental practice. “It was a joke taken out of context,” she told local media, adding that she treats all patients with respect regardless of their political beliefs. She also claimed that the California Dental Board looked into the matter and “cleared” her—though the board has not publicly confirmed any investigation or outcome.
The California Dental Association issued a statement condemning the remarks, saying they “do not reflect the ethical standards of the dental profession.” The Association emphasized that dentists are expected to provide equal care to all patients without bias.
Following the backlash, the practice’s Yelp page received a surge in comments and reviews, prompting the platform to place a temporary notice warning of “unusual activity.” Some patients reportedly said they would no longer seek treatment at her clinic.
While Dr. Grewal insists the comments were part of a lighthearted “roast” and not a serious statement about patient care, many viewers expressed concern that such jokes undermine public trust in medical professionals.
As of now, there is no verified evidence suggesting that Dr. Grewal treated patients differently based on political affiliation, and no legal action or disciplinary measures have been publicly announced.
The controversy has reignited debate over where to draw the line between free speech and professional ethics, especially for healthcare providers whose credibility rests on impartiality and trust.
Cover photo courtesy: Newhall Press/IG.
