Better reading of dental radiographic images leads to healthier patients, according to Dr. Mehrnaz Tahmasbi, clinical associate professor and radiology predoctoral program director at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. She’s working to ensure tomorrow’s dentists see ailments more clearly.
A&M Dentistry’s dental students, like many of their counterparts worldwide, traditionally learn about head and neck anatomy primarily using two-dimensional images. A&M Dentistry’s fourth-year students also have the privilege to observe cone beam computed tomography three-dimensional imaging during their clinical rotations, and Tahmasbi is working to add formal CBCT education to the predoctoral curriculum.
“I want to enhance students’ understanding of three-dimensional anatomy and imaging concepts relevant to procedures such as implant placement, endodontic surgery and extractions,” said Tahmasbi, a dentist and maxillofacial radiologist, of the CBCT technology now used in many dental practices.
Her teaching endeavors, work at A&M Dentistry’s Imaging Center and research in diagnostic sciences, as well as her dental imaging reading services for BeamReaders, were recognized by editors and peers when she was named to Incisal Edge magazine’s 2025 Top 40 Under 40 dental specialists.
The magazine recognizes excellence and honorees’ insights and strategies to inspire and elevate the entire dental community, stated Edward Kobesky, head of content for parent company Benco Dental, in a press release announcing the winners.
Forty general dentists and 40 dental specialists are chosen each year and spotlighted in the magazine and online.
“I’m grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and students,” Tahmasbi said. “Over the next year, I plan to focus on more collaborative research and the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence to support radiology education and patient care.”
She volunteered as an adjunct assistant professor for a year before joining the full-time faculty in 2018.
“I was drawn to dentistry, and ultimately to radiology, because it brings together clinical judgment, diagnostic precision, and patient care in a way that allows me to make a meaningful impact,” Tahmasbi said.
Dr. Moein Sadrkhani, clinical faculty in endodontics, nominated her. He said Tahmasbi is a future leader and makes him optimistic about the direction of dental education.
“She consistently goes above and beyond to support students with her commitment to radiology education and mentorship,” Sadrkhani said.
Dr. Madhu Nair, professor, head of diagnostic sciences and director of the Imaging Center, said she’s meticulous with protocols, quality assurance processes and documentation, and Tahmasbi sets goals, actively seeking feedback. Her diligence ensures accurate, timely interpretation of reports.
He also praised Tahmasbi for a steady cadence of peer-reviewed publications, invited reviews and chapters, often as the first or second author.
“She is a great team player and quite generous with her time and expertise, mentoring junior colleagues and sharing credit for success,” Nair said. “Dr. Tahmasbi approaches clinical problems creatively, pilots new ideas thoughtfully and evaluates outcomes with rigor.”
Dr. Sabrina Dragan, owner of Dragan Smiles Complete Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Dallas, also made the magazine’s specialist list. Dragan completed a pediatric residency at A&M Dentistry in 2017, after earning her dental degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine in 2015.
Her passion is the link between oral health and overall health, Incisal Edge’s editors stated in the magazine’s Fall issue. Dragan’s nomination praised her efforts to upgrade the practice’s technology while staying true to its mission of delivering rewarding experiences for patients, parents and staff. She added services, such as lip- and tongue-tie releases for nursing mothers, laser restorative dentistry to provide compassionate care to children with needle phobias, and airway-focused orthodontics for children.
“The public has little awareness of how oral health and oral structure shape a child’s overall health and development,” Dragan said. “Mouth breathing and snoring are common, but they are not normal and may be linked to serious issues such as airway dysfunction and even behavioral concerns.”
She said it’s a dentist’s responsibility to pursue continuing education, screen patients and collaborate with pediatricians and other professionals.
Dragan doesn’t know who nominated her.