Dr. Harleen Grewal, a Santa Clarita-based dentist, has become the center of a social media storm after a controversial video from her appearance at the SCV GOP Liberty Gala went viral. What was meant to be a humorous speech has instead drawn widespread backlash, raising questions about professionalism, patient ethics, and political bias in healthcare settings.
The controversial remark
During her speech, Dr. Grewal cracked several politically charged jokes, but one part in particular caught the internet’s attention. She began by joking about her office décor, saying that some patients “jump off and take off as if Trump was coming in the room.” She then took a jab at current economic policies, asking the audience, “How’s Bidenomics working for you?”
However, the moment that sparked outrage was when she described her so-called “secret hat” routine. Dr. Grewal claimed that she sometimes wears a “Make Your Smile Great Again” hat during dental procedures, referencing Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. She went on to joke that if patients appeared anxious or uncomfortable, she would “reduce their laughing gas” and reassure them by saying, “You got this. It’s not as bad as you think it is.”
Many viewers found this comment deeply troubling, interpreting it as an admission of unethical treatment practices or a mockery of patient discomfort.
Public backlash and Yelp suspension
Soon after the clip surfaced, Dr. Grewal’s practice — Skyline Smiles in Santa Clarita — was flooded with angry one-star reviews on Yelp and Google. Many reviewers accused her of unprofessional conduct and insensitivity, while others questioned the safety of her patients. Yelp eventually froze the review section, citing an “unusual activity alert” due to the overwhelming influx of politically motivated posts.
Interestingly, the backlash also spilled over to an entirely unrelated dental office in Chicago — Skyline Smiles of Chicago — owned by Dr. Deepak Neduvelil. His practice began receiving angry calls and poor reviews from people mistaking it for Dr. Grewal’s. Dr. Neduvelil expressed frustration, noting that his business had trademarked the name years ago and was already in a legal dispute with Dr. Grewal over its use.
Dr. Harleen Grewal’s response
In an interview following the uproar, Dr. Grewal defended her comments as satire, claiming they were part of a lighthearted, stand-up-comedy-style routine. “Jimmy Kimmel can have a joke, but I can’t?” she asked, suggesting that her remarks were being unfairly politicized.
Despite the criticism, Dr. Grewal maintained that she remains a dedicated and ethical professional, saying:
“I took an oath to be a good dentist and a good provider, which I am.”
Still, many in the dental community have called her comments “disturbing,” pointing out that even if intended as humor, joking about adjusting sedation levels could erode public trust in medical professionals.
The bigger picture
The controversy highlights the growing intersection between social media, politics, and professional accountability. For Dr. Grewal, what was likely intended as a politically humorous speech has now turned into a reputational crisis — one that may continue to impact her practice and credibility in the months ahead.
Meanwhile, the confusion with the Chicago-based Skyline Smiles underscores how quickly viral controversies can spread beyond their original source, dragging unrelated individuals and businesses into the fray.
