Sheetz halts controversial 'smile policy'

Sheetz said it has ended its controversial policy that people with visible dental problems should not be hired.

Dubbed the “smile policy,” the convenience store chain’s employee handbook previously stated that “applicants with obvious missing, broken, or badly discolored teeth (unrelated to a disability) are not qualified for employment with Sheetz.”

Sheetz said it will end the policy “effective immediately.”

“Our culture at Sheetz has always been centered on respect and putting our employees, customers and communities first,” Stephanie Doliveira, executive vice president of people and culture said Wednesday in a statement. “As a family owned and operated company, nothing is more important than creating an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all of our employees.

“Recently through employee feedback, we have learned that the smile policy is not aligned with these values from their perspective. We agree. Effective immediately, this policy is discontinued,” Doliveira said. “We are committed to ensuring our policies moving forward are equitable and celebrate the diverse experiences, individual identities and unique perspectives of our employees.”

Business Insider first reported about the policy that stated employees with dental issues were given 90 days to “resolve the problem.”

An Ohio woman told Business Insider she lost some teeth after a domestic abuse incident, and Sheetz management was not sympathetic.

She said the manager requested a timeline showing when the repair procedures would occur and how much they would cost.

According to Business Insider, Sheetz offers dental insurance through United Healthcare’s Concordia Elite Plus plan. The deductible-free insurance covers the full costs of simple procedures, such as exams, cleanings, and some extractions. It covers half the cost of more complicated procedures, such as crowns, inlays, and denture repair, Business Insider reported.