Who is Harleen Grewal, the Santa Clarita ‘MAGA Dentist’ under fire?
Who is Harleen Grewal, the Santa Clarita ‘MAGA Dentist’ under fire?
A Santa Clarita dentist has come under fire after a resurfaced video from a 2021 Republican gala showed her making politically charged jokes about treating patients differently based on their political leanings.
Dr. Harleen Grewal, who operates Skyline Smiles, was filmed during the Republican Liberty Gala joking about withholding laughing gas from liberal patients and poking fun at Democrats’ COVID-era behaviors. The clip, which had largely gone unnoticed for two years, recently went viral on TikTok, sparking fierce backlash online.
In the video, Grewal quipped, “I have a secret hat that says, ‘Make your smile great again.’ When patients look horrified or complain, I quietly cut back on the laughing gas.” She also joked about Democrats’ reactions to photos of Republican leaders displayed in her office.
While attendees at the event laughed at her remarks, the internet response has been anything but lighthearted. Hundreds of critics flooded Skyline Smiles’ Yelp page with negative reviews, prompting the platform to temporarily freeze new submissions, warning that the page was being targeted due to media attention rather than genuine patient experiences.
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Calls have since mounted for the California Dental Board to investigate her practice. Although the board does not comment on ongoing or potential complaints, Grewal has previously said she was investigated after earlier allegations tied to her political jokes but was cleared of wrongdoing.
Amid the uproar, Grewal briefly posted a message on her Instagram accounts for Skyline Smiles and “MAGA Dentist,” insisting that all patients are treated with equal care and compassion regardless of politics. Both accounts were later disabled.
The controversy also created collateral damage: a completely unrelated dental practice in Chicago, also named Skyline Smiles, reported being inundated with mistaken one-star reviews from angry commenters who confused the two businesses.
This isn’t Grewal’s first brush with political controversy. In a recent op-ed titled “You Can’t Cancel Me” published in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, she said the backlash only strengthened her resolve to remain outspoken, claiming her words had been twisted and her career unfairly targeted.
@larissawithtwoss Replying to @Lisa Massy #greenscreen Absolutely file a complaint with the dental board because one of the justifications for filing complaint is problems with violation of quality of care
Despite the defense, the debate continues online. Supporters argue that her comments were lighthearted political humor, while critics question whether such statements are appropriate from a medical professional entrusted with patient care.
For now, Grewal remains at the center of a storm over where the line between personal politics, professional responsibility, and free speech should be drawn.
FAQ Section
Q1: Who is the Santa Clarita ‘MAGA Dentist’?
Dr. Harleen Grewal, a dentist at Skyline Smiles in Santa Clarita, gained attention after a video from a 2021 Republican event resurfaced showing her joking about withholding laughing gas from liberal patients.
Q2: What did Dr. Harleen Grewal say in the viral video?
In the clip, Grewal joked about wearing a “Make Your Smile Great Again” hat at her clinic and cutting back on laughing gas for patients who appeared disturbed by her political views.
Q3: Why are people upset about the comments?
Critics say the remarks raise ethical concerns about whether all patients receive equal treatment, with many calling for an investigation by the California Dental Board.
Q4: Has the California Dental Board taken action?
The Board has not confirmed any new investigations, though Grewal has previously said an earlier complaint against her was dismissed as unfounded.
Q5: How did the controversy affect her business?
Her practice’s Yelp page was flooded with negative reviews, forcing Yelp to temporarily disable comments. A similarly named dental office in Chicago was also mistakenly targeted by online backlash.
Q6: What has Dr. Grewal said in her defense?
Grewal insists her comments were jokes taken out of context, arguing that she treats all patients with respect. In a recent op-ed, she wrote that attempts to “cancel” her have only strengthened her resolve.
