Very strange question?

so I've been applying for jobs and I cam across a job earlier for a dental assistant. so I emailed my resume, I got an instant reply asking for hours I'm available and stuff like that. then I get to the bottom and there is an odd request. It said to please email a photo of me from the waist up for better applicant processing? what does that mean? is that like a form of sexual harassment or something? or is the dr looking for a hot assistant or big chested? I'm really confused and is this even legal??? please help

my husband was upset about this, I did send my photo and he wasn't very happy. however it was a head shot and I got a call for an interview

They just want to make sure you are not a fat ugly dyke. It is legal. I wouldn't want to hire a freaky looking thing as my assistant either. It would put off my customers. Your husband is jealous because your are obviously pretty good looking as they accepted you straight away. He is just afraid that the dentist may be better looking than him and steal you away from him. If it turns out that the dentist is a perv you sack the job off and find another. Pretty simple. Look everytime I have been to the dentist the assistants have been young, slim and decent looking. It's just the norm. They actually seem to do very little technically apart from pass me this and fill in this form for me, so it is not as if you need experience. What is it that you think is going to happen? That you will turn up to the interview and they will tie you up, kidnap and rape you for a few weeks. Come on. You just go to the interview, see what they are like there and if you don't like it say bye. I bet if you let your husband read these answers he says "F*ck that you aren't going there now no way". Just go, be confident and decide for yourself.

Discrimination my..... look if I were a dentist I would want to see what the applicant looked like before interview. Saves time and there is nothing wrong with choosing your employee because of what they look like. This PC sh*t has got way out of hand.

Ah whatever. Take the advice of these moronic freaks below me what do I care. You need a job, you have an interview and you cannot even decide whether to go for it. Whatever. Listen to your jealous husband he knows best.

Thanks Mary. I know I can be a prick at times but I cannot be bothered to beat around the bush.

Maybe he didn't want a buck toothed assistant

uh...you are applying to them. They are interested in overall apperance. You can just say no.

The request is ILLEGAL. Could be construed trying to determine Race. Report to EEOC. You don't want to work there anyway.

I think the biggest question is are you qualified as an assistant? If you got a callback with no formal training and you are being hired for your looks than there is something fishy.

Wow, that IS really weird! I've heard of applications for bartenders at clubs and similar jobs in the entertainment industry asking for pictures, but a dental assistant!? I am not familiar with the dental profession at all, but I can't think of a valid reason for that.

Right off the bat, I would've asked why they were requesting a picture. Maybe you can place a call to other dentists' offices and ask if they are familiar with that request.

The dentist is setting himself up to be sued for discrimination. A minority could sue, claiming discrimination based on race or national origin. An older person could sue for age discrimination. A man could sue for sex discrimination.

Basically, asking for a photo (unless where important for the job, such as modeling) is dumb. It probably is legal, but dumb. The dentist's lawyer would probably be concerned if she knew.

everyone that answered above me has obviously never had any training for managers in hiring situations.

In the US, it is extremely inappropriate to ask for photos when appearance in not part and parcel of the job(such as actors and models and not much more then that really).

Why?

Because it leads to the appearance of discrimination based on race, ace, gender, and creed, all of which are protected classes.

Now, you may or may not have gotten the job on a fair decision, based on your qualifications, but by asking for the photo, the employer has left themselves wide open to charges of discrimination.

Nope on the sexual harassment. The photo is just so they can make sure it is you when you show up for the interview.
Sexual harassment starts when they ask you to undress or you'll be fired.

"Open your eyes" explained it pretty well, tho' a little crudely. I think that the dentist wants a "normal looking" or maybe a reasonably attractive person for the job. It is unfortunate, but is a fact of life. The patient will be face-to-face with you for long periods of time. The dentist wants to be sure that the patient will not be looking at Mrs. Frankenstein or some other turn-off. Personally, I don't care what someone looks like, as long as he/she gets the job done right. But our culture is obsessed with good looks. I can sympathize with your husband for being a little put out by the request for a photo.
You sound smart enough to determine the dentist's motives when you have your interview. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable...split!