ABOMS
ABOMS Board Certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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ExploreAbout this exam
ABOMS - the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - is the certifying board for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States, and the source page states it is recognized and approved by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association. Board certification is aimed at oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have completed specialty training and wish to demonstrate that they meet the Board's standards of training, education, and professionalism; the process is described on the site as involving examination and certification maintenance, with a Qualifying Examination and an Oral Certifying Examination listed among the exam pathways, and ABOMS Certification Maintenance and Certificates of Added Qualifications also offered. The Board's stated mission is to ensure that Diplomates meet those standards through its certification process, and its stated vision is to be the recognized leader in board certification of oral and maxillofacial surgery and related disciplines. Preparation should be built around the published exam structure: work through the Qualifying Examination content first, then rehearse oral case-based reasoning for the Oral Certifying Examination, using the Board's own exam prep portal, registration guidance, and FAQ as your authoritative sources for format and eligibility. This independent study material is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABOMS; always confirm current exam details directly with the Board, since specifics such as item counts, timing, fees, and pass standards are not published on the pages reviewed here.
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About ABOMS preparation
What exactly does ABOMS certify?
ABOMS is the certifying board for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States. Its site states that it is recognized and approved by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association, and that it sets the standard for the specialty through examination and certification maintenance.
Which exams stand between me and certification?
The Board's navigation lists a Qualifying Examination and an Oral Certifying Examination under its exam prep portal, alongside ABOMS Certification Maintenance and Certificates of Added Qualifications. Treat the Board's own pages as authoritative for sequence, eligibility, and application steps rather than any third-party summary.
How many questions are on the Qualifying Examination, and how long is it?
The source material reviewed does not publish item counts or time limits for either examination, so no figure is given here. Confirm the current format, timing, and any section breakdown directly with ABOMS before you build a study schedule around a number.
What does it cost, and what is the passing score?
Fees and passing standards are not stated in the source material reviewed, so they are not reported here. Because exam policies are revised periodically, verify current fees, payment deadlines, and scoring with the Board rather than relying on older figures you may have heard from colleagues.
If I fail, can I retake, and how soon?
The source material reviewed does not describe a retake policy, waiting period, or attempt limit, so none is stated here. Ask ABOMS directly about re-examination eligibility and timing, and check whether any waiting period interacts with your application cycle before you plan a repeat attempt.
How should I split study time between the two exams?
Build knowledge first, then performance. Use the Qualifying Examination to drive comprehensive recall across the specialty, then shift to the Oral Certifying Examination, where you must defend decisions aloud. Practicing structured verbal case presentations under time pressure is the step candidates most often skip.
Why do candidates struggle with the oral exam specifically?
The usual failure modes are not knowledge gaps but delivery: committing to a diagnosis and plan without stating alternatives, ignoring the examiner's follow-up, and running long on early questions. Rehearse concise answers that state findings, differential, definitive management, and complications, and practice being interrupted mid-answer.
Is board certification a one-time achievement?
No. ABOMS describes certification as involving examination and maintenance, and its site lists ABOMS Certification Maintenance as a distinct program area. Expect an ongoing cycle of maintenance requirements after initial certification, and confirm the current requirements and deadlines with the Board.
Where do I register and get official answers?
The ABOMS site provides a How to Register page, a Frequently Asked Questions page, a Verifications FAQ, and a contact address of 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 1370, Chicago, IL 60631, phone 312.642.0070, email [email protected]. Use those channels for eligibility, deadlines, and any policy question.
Is this study material affiliated with ABOMS?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. All content here is original; always defer to official ABOMS publications for exam format, policy, and scoring.