Award-winning fashion photographer Rick Guidotti recently visited the School of Dentistry to promote the use of more inclusive imagery in medical education and to celebrate the beauty of human diversity.
The two-day visit culminated in an event at the university’s pediatric dental clinic, during which Guidotti gifted dozens of children and young people with disabilities in western New York with professional photographs.
Guidotti, whose clients include Yves St Laurent, Revlon and L’Oreal, is the founder of POSITIVE EXPOSURE, a non-profit organization that aims to build a more inclusive world through photography, film, exhibitions, lectures and educational programs. am. The philanthropic program partners with hospitals, medical schools and educational institutions around the world to reshape patient representations in medical education through his FRAME initiative, a web-based educational library and resource.
FRAME was the subject of Guidotti’s guest lecture to a class of dental students at UB on January 20th, as well as a daylong meeting with UB’s health science faculty, staff, and students.
This initiative departs from the “patient-as-specimen” model and offers educational videos that use a human-centered approach in which people introduce themselves and discuss their genetic, physical, intellectual or behavioral conditions. The film brings a new perspective to medical education by allowing medical professionals to learn about conditions from real, dynamic people.
Guidotti’s research has been published in HELEN, a journal of the American Society of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, as an effective teaching tool in medical education, says Meelin D. Chin, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and community dentistry at the School of Dental. Kit-Wells said. medicine.
On the second day of his visit, Guidotti visited the University Pediatric Dental Clinic at 1091 Main Street in Buffalo to present professional photographs to dozens of children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The event was also attended by Lockport native Joshua Vacanti, season 21 finalist of NBC’s The Voice. Vacanti performed several songs for his family with his wife Sam Olevnik. Guests enjoyed arts, crafts, and educational activities while waiting to be photographed.
“Rick Guidotti brings an opportunity to Buffalo to show how much we value inclusion within our community,” said POSITIVE EXPOSURE Board Member and American Society of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Chin Kit-Wells, incoming president, said. “His visit allows us to teach inclusivity through action. Gracefully, we celebrate who each person is.”
Buffalo firefighter Patrick smiles with his son Matthew in front of a fire engine outside the university’s pediatric dental clinic.Photo: Elizabeth Thompson
The School of Dentistry provides holistic oral health care to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a supportive, caring and respectful environment. In addition to hosting comprehensive outreach programs such as the annual Give Kids A Smile Day, the Department of Pediatrics and Community Dentistry works with occupational therapists to house the profession under one roof. to optimize care for patients with disabilities.
The school is investing $1 million in a new space dedicated to patients with disabilities at the Squire Hall Dental Clinic on its South Campus. Clinics feature special equipment, tilting platforms, bariatric chairs, oversized doors, and caregiver seating for patients in wheelchairs, with autism, or with medical complications I’m here.
The school also partners with Arc GLOW to provide dental care to patients with disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties through its S-Miles To Go program operated through two state-of-the-art mobile dental systems. I’m here. Bang.
