Page 5 | Would you hire someone without a front tooth?

XenoBitch · 30/01/2025 13:29

This thread is horrible. I have a missing top front tooth, and someone on another thread actually said she would assume I have substance abuse issues and swerve me on the street.
I have made peace with gap, and have no desire to get it sorted. I can't afford it anyway, and there are no NHS dentists where I live. I am not going to try and raise money to fix something that I have no problem with.

If this guy is capable of the job, then hire him.

eqpi4t2hbsnktd · 30/01/2025 13:34

No, I wouldn't hire someone with missing teeth for a customer facing role.
Said it... now off to hide.

DalzielOrNoDalzielAndDontPascoe · 30/01/2025 13:45

heyhopotato · 30/01/2025 10:44

I wouldn't for a customer facing role, especially if it involves selling anything. The best salespeople are above average attractive for a reason.

The vast majority of people can afford a private dentist but like saying money is the reason to not go, simply because they don't want to. Most pay for hairdressers for example, which is often a comparable price and completely optional. Same goes for many other things. People choose to spend their money how they like, that's fine, but for most saying they can't afford it is just wrong, what they mean is they don't prioritise it and don't want to go.

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I know it's something of a cliché, but you really need to check your privilege.

Loads of people can't afford the hairdresser/barber, so they just don't go - and do whatever they can at home to tame/shave off their hair.

Dental treatments can cost a fortune - even the three price levels on the NHS, if you're lucky enough to have that available to you - are unachievable to many.

There are so many people using food banks. 1 in 20 children doesn't even have a proper bed. Loads of people are just about managing for the basics but have no means for any luxuries - which, to many, would have to include dentistry, even in a developed country in 2025.

Basically, the truth is that everybody can afford it... except for the huge number who can't.

SirChenjins · 30/01/2025 13:46

SerendipityJane · 30/01/2025 09:22

I had an interview once for a US firm that was obsessed with smoking and if you got a job with them you had to sign an undertaking that you would not smoke. Yes even when not at work. They wouldn't interview smokers.

They also insisted you completed a "suitability quiz" which had a question like "you discover your coworker uses marijuana. Do you (a) warn them you know, (b) inform your line manager (c) report it to the police.". I suspect the reason I did not get the role was because I wrote "(d) Mind my own fucking business".

This was in 2004. I wasn't impressed and let the agency that put me forwards know. They claimed ignorance and appeared shocked. But a friend had a similar experience a few months later through the same agent, so that was a crock.

This sort of thing happens all the time. Just because it's not legal don't stop it. Hence my adage about rights you can't enforce are worthless. Like most of our employment and equality laws.

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That was more than 20 years ago for a US firm. In the UK you are not allowed to ask whether someone is a smoker as that poster suggested the OP should do.

I suspect your suspicion was correct.

coxesorangepippin · 30/01/2025 13:47

Absolutely not

Randomthoughts992 · 30/01/2025 13:47

notwavingbutsinking · 30/01/2025 08:40

I think this would be more valid if we had a functioning NHS dentistry service in this country, but we are so far from that that it's impossible to make any judgement on why he hasn't addressed the issue.

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sounds like this guy is without a job so no he cant just fix it can you, NHS dont fix missing teeth its cosmetic and i was quoted £2000 for mine... how you going to pay that on either NMW or as a jobless person??

gamerchick · 30/01/2025 13:51

2 year waiting list for an NHS dentist where I live. God forbid something happens to one of you.

DalzielOrNoDalzielAndDontPascoe · 30/01/2025 13:54

Twaddlepip · 30/01/2025 11:47

I really wouldn’t want someone with missing teeth customer-facing. Rightly or wrongly, it doesn’t look good and has connotations of poor health and hygiene or poor behaviour, such as fighting.

Behind the scenes I wouldn’t care so much, if they showed aptitude for the role.

People used to say that about women in traditionally male occupations and thus highly-skilled, hard-working people were excluded from many jobs. "Sorry, love, nobody is going to believe that a woman can mend their car or know a thing about plumbing - so it's a No from us. Shouldn't you be at home cooking for your husband anyway?"

Non-white people were also similar excluded from jobs that they were very capable of doing, just because a white person 'just looks better/more familiar/more professional and projects a better image towards the customers'. Even though they were born here 50 years ago and have lived here ever since, "people might naturally assume they can't speak English or have a proper education" etc. etc.

It's tragic that people can be so prejudiced and dim.

JessiesJ99 · 30/01/2025 14:29

Maybe if you give him the job, he could afford to get his teeth sorted?
Win, win!

Hoppinggreen · 30/01/2025 14:55

And while he is waiting to get his teeth fixed?
OP may not have any prejudice about this man and his teeth or anything else but she needs to think what her customers opinions will be and then decide if she is willing to risk losing custom if she employs someone who makes customers go elsewhere.

XenoBitch · 30/01/2025 15:51

Hoppinggreen · 30/01/2025 14:55

And while he is waiting to get his teeth fixed?
OP may not have any prejudice about this man and his teeth or anything else but she needs to think what her customers opinions will be and then decide if she is willing to risk losing custom if she employs someone who makes customers go elsewhere.

And if someone already employed sustained a facial injury, or lost a tooth.... would you put them elsewhere away from public view so they don't scare people off?

DuchessDandelion · 30/01/2025 15:53

Hoppinggreen · 30/01/2025 14:55

And while he is waiting to get his teeth fixed?
OP may not have any prejudice about this man and his teeth or anything else but she needs to think what her customers opinions will be and then decide if she is willing to risk losing custom if she employs someone who makes customers go elsewhere.

Don't be so utterly ridiculous

AllrightNowBaby · 30/01/2025 15:58

Short answer, No I wouldn’t employ anyone with two front teeth missing.

ForPearlViper · 30/01/2025 16:06

Maybe he'll get some for Christmas? One for the oldies there. I've got it as an earworm now.

DalzielOrNoDalzielAndDontPascoe · 30/01/2025 16:31

Hoppinggreen · 30/01/2025 14:55

And while he is waiting to get his teeth fixed?
OP may not have any prejudice about this man and his teeth or anything else but she needs to think what her customers opinions will be and then decide if she is willing to risk losing custom if she employs someone who makes customers go elsewhere.

To be honest, I'd rather not have business from people like that.

Just like I wouldn't tell an Asian employee who works on reception to dash to the staff room when I saw a regular customer whom I knew to be very racist approaching, for fear that they will turn around and go elsewhere (good!).

Ursulla · 30/01/2025 16:38

Given the absolute state of dental care in this country it's a wonder any of us have teeth at all.

Two year waiting list just to be allocated a dentist at all, round our way.

Henowner · 30/01/2025 16:52

My son lost his front teeth in an accident when he was a child. He was lucky, he has had a denture fitted and is fortunate enough to have been offered free NHS implants due to his age.

I imagine the cost for an adult to replace broken or lost teeth would be anywhere from £500 for a denture to £4000 for implants.

BurntBroccoli · 30/01/2025 17:49

He could have lost those teeth for any number of reasons, immune disorder, long covid (which absolutely ruins your teeth) or an accident. Maybe even a victim of abuse.
I have a missing tooth 5th from front - second premolar and really conscious of it. I can't afford an implant and even a single false one will cost hundreds.

Not everyone can afford a private dentist and there are NO NHS dentists anymore.

Elissaisnotmyname · 30/01/2025 17:57

SparklyNewMe · 30/01/2025 08:05

I am looking to fill a customer facing, well paid position for a large organisation.
I have interviewed a candidate with suitable experience, I can see him fitting in well with the team but 2 front teeth are missing. My DH is missing a front tooth for the last 2 months, it’s taking NHS that long and it’s been fitted today at last. So, I know it’s not a red flag in itself and can be circumstances. Maybe he cannot afford and does not plan to fix. But I can’t ask him outright about this, I can’t discriminate on this basis and also I can’t have someone represent our organisation like this. It maybe my own biases and it’s perfectly acceptable and I am precious?

Any advice on how to go about it will be greatly appreciated.

I am actually lolling at this. My other half had his two front teeth knocked out playing football. Unfortunately he had to wait a few weeks to get a bridge made at his dentist. In the meantime he had to continue his job as a customer services officer at a well known UK company. He noticed from the start customers were visibly backing away so he tried putting his hand in front of his mouth to hide the missing teeth. To be perfectly honest he looked like a country bumpkin and all he needed was a piece of straw in the gap to finish the overall affect. What can I say!? This person will be judged by his lack of teeth and you can either rise above it or don’t employ him 😬🦷

XenoBitch · 30/01/2025 17:59

Elissaisnotmyname · 30/01/2025 17:57

I am actually lolling at this. My other half had his two front teeth knocked out playing football. Unfortunately he had to wait a few weeks to get a bridge made at his dentist. In the meantime he had to continue his job as a customer services officer at a well known UK company. He noticed from the start customers were visibly backing away so he tried putting his hand in front of his mouth to hide the missing teeth. To be perfectly honest he looked like a country bumpkin and all he needed was a piece of straw in the gap to finish the overall affect. What can I say!? This person will be judged by his lack of teeth and you can either rise above it or don’t employ him 😬🦷

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I am sorry, but that is ridiculous. People backing away when they see his lack of teeth? That says so much about them. They need to get a grip.

Elissaisnotmyname · 30/01/2025 18:02

XenoBitch · 30/01/2025 17:59

I am sorry, but that is ridiculous. People backing away when they see his lack of teeth? That says so much about them. They need to get a grip.

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Yes I know but people are shallow and do judge people by their appearance. 🤷‍♀️

XenoBitch · 30/01/2025 18:07

Elissaisnotmyname · 30/01/2025 18:02

Yes I know but people are shallow and do judge people by their appearance. 🤷‍♀️

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Backing away is so OTT. Do they think he will gum them to death or something?

Elissaisnotmyname · 30/01/2025 18:09

XenoBitch · 30/01/2025 18:07

Backing away is so OTT. Do they think he will gum them to death or something?

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😂
I could not even kiss him until he had them fixed.

Kendodd · 30/01/2025 18:14

Why are posters saying it's illegal to not hire smokers? Smoking isn't a protected characteristic, why would it be illegal to not hire someone because of it? Likewise, unless due to a disability, missing teeth isn't a protected characteristic surely?
Front facing staff are partly there to reflect the company . Example, I think Blue Banana would be unlikely to hire a middle aged, straight laced, M&S wearing women, despite years of retail experience over someone punky looking, tattooed and pieced.

MissDoubleU · 30/01/2025 18:24

“It’s a customer facing role”

and what of your customers with missing teeth or other perceived physical imperfections? Should they also take their custom elsewhere…?

Would you hire someone without a front tooth?

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