USA

American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) Qualifying Examination

600 questions

About this exam

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) Qualifying Examination is a board-certification examination for eligible oral and maxillofacial surgery candidates. It is not an entrance exam for dental school or an OMS residency; candidates generally apply after completing qualifying surgical training and meeting ABOMS requirements. The examination assesses the broad knowledge expected of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is a required step toward the Oral Certifying Examination. Eligibility details and application requirements can vary, so candidates should consult current ABOMS guidance.

Preparation calls for reviewing the breadth of oral and maxillofacial surgery rather than concentrating on one procedure or diagnosis. Core areas include applied anatomy of the face, jaws, and neck; dentoalveolar procedures and complications; anesthesia and airway management; and facial trauma and fracture treatment. Candidates should also be ready to connect foundational knowledge with clinical decision-making and patient safety. A structured review plan, repeated retrieval practice, and attention to weaker topics can help make study time more effective; the current ABOMS handbook is the source for exam-specific details.

How to prepare for the ABOMS Qualifying Examination

  1. Build a review schedule around major OMS domains, including facial and neck anatomy, dentoalveolar surgery, anesthesia and airway management, and trauma care.
  2. Use timed question sets to practice applying knowledge to clinical scenarios; review every answer and note why plausible alternatives are incorrect.
  3. Check the current ABOMS candidate handbook and examination guidance for eligibility, application steps, format, and any year-specific updates.

FAQ

Who is eligible to take the ABOMS Qualifying Examination?

It is intended for candidates pursuing ABOMS board certification who meet the Board’s current eligibility and application requirements, generally after completing qualifying oral and maxillofacial surgery training. Review the current ABOMS candidate materials for the exact requirements.

What is the format of the ABOMS Qualifying Examination?

The Qualifying Examination is the written, knowledge-based stage of the ABOMS certification process. The Board’s current candidate handbook provides the authoritative details about delivery and examination structure, which candidates should verify for their cycle.

What subjects should I study for the ABOMS Qualifying Examination?

Review broad oral and maxillofacial surgery knowledge, including applied anatomy, dentoalveolar procedures and complications, anesthesia and airway management, and facial trauma and fracture treatment. Use the current ABOMS guidance to shape your full review plan.