College of Dentistry maintains maxillofacial cone beam CT accreditation

The Imaging Center at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas recently earned re-accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for maxillofacial cone beam computerized tomography operations. A maxillofacial CT scan takes a series of X-ray images of the teeth, jaw and surrounding structures and uses the images to reconstruct multiplanar and 3D views.

IAC accreditation certifies adherence to quality and safe practices in radiology through a multispecialty collaboration that ensures appropriate use of diagnostic imaging for better patient outcomes, said Dr. Madhu Nair, director of the Imaging Center and department head of diagnostic sciences. IAC is sponsored by 40 professional organizations in medicine and dentistry, including the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The re-accreditation shows the College of Dentistry is holding itself to the highest standards of radiation safety and patient care.

The current accreditation lasts until April 30, 2028. It’s the second time the dental college has earned the status. Texas A&M is the only IAC-accredited dental college in Texas and one of the few nationwide.

“There are 23 accreditation standards,” Nair said. “It’s very rigorous.”

Dr. Mehrnaz Tahmasbi, a clinical associate professor in oral and maxillofacial radiology at the Imaging Center, coordinated the various activities related to the preparation for re-accreditation along with Nair. The entire team of faculty and staff in the Imaging Center contributed to the re-accreditation of the CT service.

He said the requirements are similar to those expected of hospitals to maintain their clinical CT operations, requiring ongoing data collection, continuous quality assurance review, peer review of reports generated, extensive physics testing and continuing education on CT for staff.