Sherman College Leads the Way with Cutting-Edge CBCT Imaging Technology

SPARTANBURG, SC — Staying true to its commitment to advancing chiropractic education and patient care, Sherman College of Chiropractic has become the first chiropractic college to introduce cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in its radiology department.

CBCT is an advanced imaging technology that provides highly accurate, three-dimensional views of hard tissue structures. Widely used in medical diagnostics, this technology now brings a new level of precision and insight to chiropractic radiographic analysis, particularly in the upper cervical region of the spine.

“Adding new technologies like cone beam computed tomography further enhances our Doctor of Chiropractic program, improves patient care, and expands research opportunities within the profession and community,”
said Joe Donofrio, D.C., ’94, A.C.P., Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“We’re proud to be the first chiropractic college to integrate this technology into both our curriculum and our clinical care. Our radiology and technique faculty were instrumental in making this possible.”

Dr. Donofrio added, “We expect this unit to reveal details about cervical spine subluxations that have never been seen before.”

Bringing CBCT to Sherman College

Sherman College began the process of acquiring CBCT in fall 2019 through its “I’m Ready” fundraising campaign, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation of chiropractors for success.

Key partners in this effort include the Blair Chiropractic Society and the International Chiropractors Association’s (ICA) Council on Upper Cervical Care. Additional support for this and other technology-enhancement projects continues through the ongoing “I’m READY” campaign.

“The Blair Upper Cervical Society and the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care are thrilled about the opportunities we’re creating with Sherman College,” said Tyler Evans, D.C., DCCJP, Board Member of the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care and Chair of its Special Committee on Standards of Practice.
“The craniocervical junction is one of the most complex joints in the body—biomechanically and neurologically—and cone beam CT is revolutionizing how upper cervical chiropractors analyze and correct that region. The research potential is endless.”

Dr. Daiki Ishiyama, D.C., Chair of the ICA Council’s Advanced Imaging Committee, collaborated closely with Dr. Evans and Sherman College faculty to bring this technology to campus. He anticipates significant future contributions to chiropractic science as a result.

A New Era in Imaging at Sherman College

The Planmeca Viso™ CBCT unit was installed on March 2 in Sherman College’s Chiropractic Health Center—an on-campus clinic that provides approximately 30,000 patient visits annually to the Spartanburg community and serves as a training site for senior chiropractic students.

This high-end CBCT system offers premium image quality, flexible usability, and represents a major leap forward in diagnostic imaging.

Key Benefits of CBCT at Sherman College:

• 3D imaging with lower radiation exposure and no loss of image quality
• Live virtual field-of-view positioning for precise imaging
• Suitable for orthogonal and articular needs
• Upright, neutral patient positioning for accurate upper cervical analysis
• Intelligent patient support for comfort and stability
• Motion correction for patients who struggle to remain still

Preparing Faculty and Advancing Research

Faculty and staff are currently completing advanced training on CBCT image acquisition and analysis. Once certified, the team will use the technology in patient care and research—gathering evidence on its effectiveness in identifying vertebral subluxations (misalignments of the spine causing nerve interference).

“We plan to work closely with field practitioners and chiropractic organizations to advance the use of technology in chiropractic care,” said Dr. Donofrio.
“We’re ready to take our profession to the next level—and to share that progress with the world.”

A Tradition of Technological Leadership

Sherman College has long embraced innovation in chiropractic education. In 2007, it became the first chiropractic college on the East Coast to integrate digital X-ray technology into both its curriculum and clinic services.

Now, with the introduction of CBCT imaging, the college continues to set new standards in education, research, and clinical excellence.

About Sherman College of Chiropractic

Located on an 80-acre campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Sherman College of Chiropractic provides a comprehensive education that prepares graduates to become skilled, ethical, and compassionate doctors of chiropractic.

For more information, visit www.sherman.edu or call 800-849-8771.