Two clinicians within the deaf community highlight the transformative power of The Communicator, a first-of-its-kind clear face mask that improves communication on both sides of the chair
In a profession where every diagnosis and treatment hinges on effective communication, members of the deaf community may struggle to convey oral conditions and treatment options—especially when face masks impede lipreading and facial expressions. Albeit necessary equipment to ensure safe dental care, traditional masks can inadvertently become barriers to building trust and fostering a positive provider-patient relationship.
For Dr. Joseph Samona and hygienist Amanda Zubricki, both members of the deaf community, these challenges not only impact their personal experiences in the dental chair but also their respective journeys into the dental industry.
“As a deaf dentist, I rely on sign language and lipreading to communicate with both my deaf and hearing patients,” said Dr. Samona. Zubricki added, “Visual cues are everything, and even though I don’t see a lot of deaf patients in my office, there are some patients who have a tough time understanding us from behind the mask.”
With that, the introduction of The Communicator Clear Face Mask by Safe ‘N’ Clear marks a crucial step toward a more inclusive, accessible approach to dental care—breaking down these long-standing communication barriers in dentistry by providing a clear, fog-resistant window to improved communication.
Clear Communication, Complete Protection
“When it comes to communication, facial expressions are very important in the deaf community,” Dr. Samona said. “The clear window on The Communicator mask allows me to lipread my patients and staff while following infection control guidelines. It also makes my patients feel more comfortable with me.”
Zubricki echoed this experience, recounting an appointment with a patient who has hearing loss and uses a cochlear implant. “When I sat her in the chair and put on The Communicator mask, she had a big smile on her face,” Zubricki said. “It can be scary sitting in the dental office and not knowing what everyone is saying, and I could tell The Communicator mask really made a difference and helped her feel better.”
Patented and single-use, The Communicator masks are effective and compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), removing more barriers that can help bring patients to the dental office. They are also FDA-registered and -approved, ensuring ASTM Level 3 protection from microorganisms, bodily fluids, and particulate materials without compromising breathability and comfort.
“I really like how you can pinch the nose part of the mask because it makes it more comfortable to wear your loupes," Zubricki said. Additionally, Dr. Samona noted, “During dental procedures, we are working inside the patient’s mouth, which means saliva and blood will be in contact with our gloves. Providers who wear The Communicator don't need to pull their mask down using dirty gloves, which means they can follow infection control measures more strictly.”
Fostering Inclusive Healthcare with a Smile
Underscoring the common misconception that all deaf patients require an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, Zubricki pointed out that there is growing diversity within the deaf community, and she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about accommodations in healthcare.
“Some of us prefer to read lips and don’t rely on ASL. We are all on the spectrum and require different accessibility,” she said. “I think it’s very helpful for providers to have 1 box of The Communicator masks in their offices, so when that accessibility is needed, they have it ready to go.”
The Communicator mask is available exclusively from Safe ‘N’ Clear with 40 masks per box or 400 masks per case. “I urge all clinicians to understand the importance of The Communicator mask and recognize its benefits in terms of communication and rapport in daily practice,” Dr. Samona said. “These masks can help the patient develop trust through clearer communication, leading to more positive experiences with healthcare providers and creating a more inclusive environment for patients who are deaf.” Zubricki concluded, “Patients love seeing our faces—and not just those who are deaf. All patients feel a lot better seeing the smile behind the mask.”
