The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and its Council on Upper Cervical Care are proud to announce a major milestone: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is now included within the chiropractic scope of practice in North Carolina. This breakthrough follows nearly a decade of diligent work, research, and advocacy by key leaders in chiropractic imaging.

The effort began in 2017, when Dr. Cameron Bearder, a dedicated North Carolina chiropractor, identified that CBCT was not recognized in the state’s chiropractic legislation. Despite outreach in 2020 from Steve O’Neill of Planmed and Dr. Tyler Evans, the NC Board initially declined to consider CBCT.

However, major progress unfolded as CBCT technology gained traction in academic settings:

• 2020: Planmed installed CBCT units at Sherman College of Chiropractic (SC) and later at Northwestern Health Sciences University (MN)—the first of their kind in chiropractic clinical education. 
• 2022: The ICA’s Upper Cervical Council Special Imaging Committee published a peer-reviewed paper on dose and safety considerations of CBCT in chiropractic settings. 
• 2023: Dr. Jeff Scholten and Dr. Matthew Richardson (DACBR) published a second peer-reviewed paper detailing CBCT’s technology, utility, and clinical value. 
• 2023: CBCT was installed at Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward, California.

In early 2025, Dr. Bearder presented on CBCT analysis via Dr. James Demetrious’ postgraduate CE program, generating renewed interest from North Carolina doctors eager to bring this diagnostic advancement to their patients.

With support from the ICA’s Council on Upper Cervical Care Special Imaging Committee, a collaborative team—Dr. Bearder, Dr. Demetrious, Dr. Evans, and Dr. Scholten—formally re-approached the North Carolina Board of Examiners. Key to the final breakthrough was the involvement of Dr. Phil Arnone. Dr. Arnone, a long-time resident of North Carolina and a long time board member of the North Carolina State Association, facilitated a presentation of the materials necessary to prove the need to include CBCT in North Carolina scope.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Arnone, Dr. Bearder, Dr. Demetrious, and Steve O’Neill for their persistent efforts,” said Dr. Tyler Evans, Chair of the Special Imaging Committee. “This win is not only a victory for chiropractors in North Carolina, but a signal to other states that CBCT has a valuable role in advancing safe, evidence-informed chiropractic care.”

Research References:
1. DeNunzio G, Evans T, Beebe ME, Browning J, Koivisto J. Craniocervical Junction Visualization and Radiation Dose Consideration Utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Upper Cervical Chiropractic Clinical Application: A Literature Review. Dose-Response. 2022;20(2). doi:10.1177/15593258221107515

2. Scholten J, Kos A, Richardson M, Campion K. Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Technology Overview, Dose, and Utility Considerations for Chiropractors and Regulatory Bodies. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic. 2023;6(1):92-99.

Contact:
Dr. Tyler Evans, DC, DCCJP
Phone: 765.744.8320