Sheetz Ends Controversial Dental Requirements For Workers

ALTOONA, PA — Convenience store chain Sheetz has eliminated a policy that prohibited the hiring of people with teeth problems.

The company's employee handbook states that job applicants with missing, broken or badly discolored teeth "are not qualified for employment with Sheetz. Some Sheetz employees referred to the good teeth mandate as the "smile requirement."

The handbook also states that if a worker develops dental issues limiting their ability to display a complete smile that Sheetz will not permit those issues to continue indefinitely.

Sheetz officials said in a statement that those policies are ending.

"Our culture at Sheetz has always been centered on respect and putting our employees, customers and communities first," Stephanie Doliveira, Sheetz executive vice president of people and culture, said 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. We are committed to ensuring our policies moving forward are equitable and celebrate the diverse experiences, individual identities and unique perspectives of our employees."