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ABOMS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Board Certification Practice Test

140 questions available

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) Board Certification represents the pinnacle of professional achievement and clinical competence in the specialty. This rigorous, multi-stage examination process validates a surgeon's mastery across the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), including dentoalveolar surgery, trauma, orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint disorders, pathology, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic facial surgery. Achieving Diplomate status signifies to peers, healthcare institutions, and patients that the surgeon has met the highest standards of knowledge, judgment, and technical skill as defined by the specialty's governing body. Certification is not merely an endpoint of training but a lifelong commitment to maintaining excellence through continuous learning and practice assessment. It serves as the definitive credential that distinguishes a qualified specialist, underpinning professional credibility and trust in a highly complex surgical field.

140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
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The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
ABOMS140 practice questions20 answers with a checkable referenceBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-08

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

20 of 140 answers carry a checkable reference.

Maxillofacial Trauma

A condylar head fracture leaves a bony fragment in the glenoid fossa and the patient cannot translate. Which complication is the main reason for early mobilization once stable?

Maxillofacial Trauma

A patient with a parasymphysis fracture and contralateral subcondylar fracture has a reproducible occlusion after reduction. Which treatment principle is most defensible?

Reconstruction (Soft Tissue, Bone, Microvascular)

A benign mandibular cyst leaves a contained 2 cm cavity after enucleation with intact cortices. What reconstruction is most appropriate?

Reconstruction (Soft Tissue, Bone, Microvascular)

A patient after glossectomy needs thin pliable lining to restore tongue mobility but no bone. Which flap is most appropriate?

Maxillofacial Trauma

A bilateral mandibular condylar fracture patient has anterior open bite and posterior premature contact. The condylar segments are displaced medially. What is the occlusal mechanism?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

ABOMS Board Certification is the definitive standard for professional recognition and career advancement in oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is a prerequisite for hospital privileges at most major medical centers, a key factor in professional liability considerations, and often essential for academic promotion. For patients and referring professionals, the 'Board Certified' designation is a critical marker of expertise and commitment to quality care. In an increasingly competitive and regulated healthcare environment, this certification validates your expertise, enhances your professional reputation, and solidifies your standing as a leader within the surgical community and the broader medical-dental landscape.

Exam Blueprint

01Advanced TopicsAdvanced concepts and techniques
02Best PracticesIndustry best practices and standards
03Core KnowledgeEssential knowledge areas
04FundamentalsBasic concepts and principles
05Practical ApplicationReal-world application of concepts

Exam Details ABOMS-QE/OCE

Exam Code ABOMS-QE/OCE
Vendor ABOMS

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the ABOMS Board Certification examinations?

Candidates must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school and completed an ADA-accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. They must also hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice dentistry or medicine in a jurisdiction of the United States or Canada. Specific requirements regarding case lists and professional standing are detailed in the current ABOMS Candidate Guide, which should be consulted for the most authoritative and up-to-date information.

What is the structure and format of the ABOMS examination process?

The certification process is bifurcated. First, the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) is a comprehensive, multiple-choice test covering the entire scope of OMS. Upon passing the WQE, candidates advance to the Oral Certifying Examination (OCE), which involves a series of structured oral interviews focused on clinical scenarios, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical techniques, and management of complications. The OCE rigorously assesses clinical judgment and problem-solving abilities.

How does maintaining certification (MOC) work after initial certification?

ABOMS Diplomates participate in a continuous Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. This involves ongoing requirements in four components: Professional Standing (maintaining valid licensure), Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (CME credits, including specific ABOMS-approved SAE modules), Cognitive Expertise (passing a secure examination at periodic intervals), and Practice Performance (evaluation of surgical outcomes and patient care). MOC ensures Diplomates remain current with evolving standards of care.

What is the primary resource for the exam content outline?

The ABOMS publishes an official Certification Examination Blueprint, which is the authoritative guide for exam content. It details the percentage weight given to each major domain (e.g., Patient Evaluation, Diagnosis & Planning; Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment; Emergency & Perioperative Care). Candidates should base their study plan directly on this blueprint, as it defines the scope and emphasis of the examination.

What is the significance of the case list submission for the OCE?

The submitted case list is a critical component of the OCE process. It must represent a broad spectrum of the candidate's own surgical practice over a defined period, demonstrating experience across core areas of OMS. The oral examiners use this list as a basis for discussion, probing the candidate's decision-making, technical execution, and outcomes assessment for procedures they have personally performed. It authenticates the candidate's clinical experience.