Amanda Zubricki is a deaf dental hygienist in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Zubricki founded That Deaf RDH Foundation which is a resource for deaf or hard of hearing individuals within the dental profession. Zubricki wants to provide access to proper accommodations in education and the workforce.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zubricki noticed with masks covering up our faces, there were no visual cues. “That’s when I decided we shouldn’t be hiding behind the masks but face the challenges head on and create a community to support our career by advocating and financially support a deaf or hard of hearing student that wants to become a dental hygienist,” said Zubricki. Since starting this foundation in 2020, That Deaf RDH Foundation awarded two deaf or hard of hearing students! 

“That’s when I decided we shouldn’t be hiding behind the masks but face the challenges head on and create a community to support our career by advocating and financially support a deaf or hard of hearing student that wants to become a dental hygienist”

Zubricki shares that being deaf comes with highs and lows such as having the mental load of daily self-advocacy but also having the ability to empower oneself to do so. Zubricki finds empowerment to educate others on the deaf or hard of hearing community and bring awareness to the table. “It is a conversation that needs to be discussed and there is much work to be done,” said Zubricki. 

“It is a conversation that needs to be discussed and there is much work to be done”

Overcoming communication barriers has put a spotlight on the challenges after the pandemic due to mask mandates which directly impact her profession with constant mask use. She appreciates that more and more masks with clear windows have come out for her and her patients. Letting others know your preferences is best and helps overcome communication barriers.

“The absolute best thing about being deaf is being able to shut the world off! I see almost 8-10 patients a day and have 3 young baby girls so imagine how loud it gets daily,” said Zubricki. Listening fatigue is real so being able to have a break is nice.

“The absolute best thing about being deaf is being able to shut the world off! I see almost 8-10 patients a day and have 3 young baby girls so imagine how loud it gets daily”

Zubricki wants Safe’N’Clear readers to know that there is no reason to feel like a weak link and you should know that there is a fire in you. “You must ignite it for your passion to shine. Keep changing the world one smile at a time. Thank you so much for having me and for everyone who’s supported me this far,” said Zubricki.

“You must ignite it for your passion to shine. Keep changing the world one smile at a time. Thank you so much for having me and for everyone who’s supported me this far”

Safe’N’Clear applauds Zubricki and others like her who selfishly work to bring inclusion, diversity, and equity to our world.