ABPros Prosthodontics study guide
ABPros Prosthodontics · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) certifies and recertifies educationally qualified individuals who demonstrate in-depth knowledge and expertise in prosthodontics. Its stated vision is that all educationally qualified prosthodontists become Board certified, and candidates may pursue certification through three pathways. The examination content is described by the ABP as reflecting the broad scope of prosthodontics, and the exam menu lists a Qualifying Examination and an Oral Certifying Examination, organized into Sections A, B, C, and D. According to the ABP, the certification process was modified effective October 22, 2025 to include an alternate pathway for the coming year (2026), the Oral Certifying Examination, for which successful completion of the Qualifying Exam is part of eligibility. The ABPros Prosthodontics study guide has 4 sections and about 1,367 words.
01Section A: Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, and Prognosis
Section A asks whether you can move from data to a defensible plan. Candidates must be fluent in the diagnostic sequence: chief complaint and history, extraoral and intraoral examination, periodontal and occlusal assessment, mounted casts, and appropriate imaging.
375 words, about 2 min02Section B: Fixed Prosthodontics - Principles and Clinical Execution
Section B tests whether you understand why preparations, materials, and margins behave the way they do. Know retention and resistance form , the effect of taper (convergence angle), preparation height, surface area, and path of insertion.
354 words, about 2 min03Section C: Removable Prosthodontics - Complete and Partial Dentures
Section C tests the biomechanics and clinical sequencing of removable prostheses. For complete dentures , know the neutral zone , border molding , posterior palatal seal , centric relation record , and the difference between maximum intercuspation and a centric relation record.
318 words, about 2 min04Section D: Implant Prosthodontics, Occlusion, and Maintenance
Section D integrates implant prosthodontics with occlusal principles and long-term maintenance. Know the difference between screw-retained and cement-retained implant restorations, including retrievability, cement clean-up risk, and esthetic/angulation constraints.
320 words, about 2 min