Certification

ABOM Diplomate Certification Examination 

The American Board of Oral Medicine (ABOM) administers a specialty certification examination for qualified candidates who are accomplished in the field. The certification exam is administered in two parts: Qualifying Examination and Oral Clinical Cases

The goal of the certification examination is to fairly and accurately assess graduates of United States CODA accredited advanced education programs in Oral Medicine to a level of knowledge pertinent to patient care in Oral Medicine as it is practiced in the USA. Individuals who pass all requirements of this board examination become Diplomates of the American Board of Oral Medicine.

QUALIFYING EXAMINATION 

Foundational Knowledge Assessment (Online Digital Assessment) 

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduation from an advanced education program in Oral Medicine accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or enrollment in the second year of an advanced education program in Oral Medicine accredited by CODA. 
• Membership in an appropriate Oral Medicine organization 
• Receipt of completed application form by published deadline 
• Receipt of payment of application and registration fees by published deadline 

Eligibility Duration 

An applicant approved eligible will remain so for five (5) years from the date of taking their initial Qualifying Examination, regardless of outcome, to complete the certification process. During this period, the candidate must take and successfully complete the entire examination or forfeit eligibility status, any paid examination fee and /or application fee. If certification is not achieved during the assigned period, candidacy status is terminated and the Qualifying Examination results are forfeited. 

Format of Qualifying Exam

• 300-400 question exam (multiple choice; short answer)
• Electronically administered and password protected
• Administered remotely, twice annually, on the second Friday of January and the second Friday of September at times determined by the ABOM
• Candidates are remotely video-monitored
• 6 hours to complete

Content of Qualifying Exam

• anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, neuroscience and pathology concepts used to assess patients with complex medical problems that affect various organ systems and/or the orofacial region;
• epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of orofacial diseases and disorders;
• concepts of molecular biology;
• aspects of internal medicine and pathology necessary to recognize, diagnose, and provide contemporary treatment of orofacial diseases;
• concepts of contemporary pharmacology including the use, mechanisms, interactions and effects of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in the treatment of general medical conditions and orofacial diseases;
• principles of nutrition, especially as related to oral health and orofacial diseases;
• principles of research such as biostatistics, research methods, critical evaluation of clinical and basic science research and scientific writing;
• behavioral science, to include communication skills with patients, psychological and behavioral assessment methods, modification of behavior and behavioral therapies.

Certification Exam Grading

A passing score is 70% or greater. Examiners thoroughly review the examinations and consult with a psychometrician for scoring. The ABOM examiner’s decision is final. Detailed score reports are not provided, final scores are released as pass/fail only. If there is a discrepancy in the passing or failing of a candidate, the two examiners will adjudicate and collectively make a final decision. 

Certification Failure

Qualifying Exam: 69.9% or lower is failing

A candidate may be admitted for re-examination within the five (5) year period following their initial Qualifying Examination. If the candidate cannot pass the examination after three attempts, the candidate must retake the entire exam: that is BOTH the Qualifying Examination and Oral Clinical Cases Examination.

The candidate must initiate a new application process including new fees and the candidate may be required to show proof of additional training set forth by the Board to qualify for additional examinations. 

While ABOM does not mandate specific remedial actions after examination failures, it is advisable for candidates to assess their preparation strategies and consider additional study or review courses to enhance their chances of success in subsequent attempts. Engaging in test-like scenarios and focused study plans, receiving mentorship, or participating in formal review programs can be beneficial.

There is a non-refundable re-examination fee for the Qualifying Exam. 

Certification Exam Fees

Apply for the ABOM Qualifying Examination

Upcoming Exams