Examination Content

The Certification Examination is comprised of two hundred (200) multiple choice and true/false questions. Candidates are allowed four (4) hours to complete the examination. The examination tests candidates on airway anatomy and physiology, basic sleep medicine, hypersomnolence and related disorders. However, most questions will focus on sleep disordered breathing including: definitions, treatments, oral appliance therapy and surgery.

Examination Composition

The ABDSM Board of Directors directs all aspects of the certification examination including composition.

Electronic Devices

Recording devices, cellular phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, and other electronic equipment are not permitted in the examination room. Any candidate found in possession of such devices will be disqualified without further consideration or refund.

Attendance at Exam

All applicants who have been accepted to sit for the ABDSM certification exam MUST show up on time on the day of the exam. Any applicants who arrive more than ten minutes late will not be able to enter the exam room and will not be able to sit for the exam. Applicants who miss the exam for emergency reasons may write a letter of appeal explaining the reason for which they missed the exam and may be eligible to sit for the exam the following year based on the Board’s approval. They may also be required to pay a late fee or re-submit portions of their application. Applicants are not guaranteed eligibility to sit for the ABDSM exam the following year if they miss an exam the year they are eligible to sit for it.

Scoring

All scoring is performed without knowledge of the candidate’s identity, and all decisions concerning examination scoring are made before the matching of names and candidate code numbers. Individual scores will not be changed, with the exception of a granted appeal.

Examination Results

The results of the examination are mailed to candidates. Results are not available by telephone.

Appeal Procedure

The candidate may appeal a negative determination (rejection of prerequisites or failure of examination) by submitting a written explanation of the reason for refuting the determination with a nonrefundable appeal fee of $250. This appeal must be made within 30 days of the date of the notification letter. All materials must be submitted in writing to the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, One Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 920, Westchester, IL 60154. All appeals are carefully reviewed, and a final decision is made by the ABDSM Board of Directors.

Professional Designation

Upon successful completion of the examination, individuals may use the following options to display their respective credential:

• Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
• Diplomate, ABDSM
• International Certificant, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
• International Certificant, ABDSM

Diplomate status does not denote specialty status or specialty recognition. Furthermore, it does not confer or imply any legal qualifi- cation, licensure, or privilege in professional activities as they relate to oral appliance therapy or oral surgery for SBD. It signifies a professional commitment to education, knowledge and experience in dental sleep medicine. It recognizes those dentists duly licensed by law who have successfully completed the board certification requirements established by the ABDSM. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recognizes Diplomate status granted by the ABDSM.

Disclaimer

The ABDSM board is self designated and does not confer recognized specialty status by any other certifying organization. Personal use of the ABDSM Diplomate and International Certificant designation shall be the responsibility of each individual. The ABDSM assumes no liability for how each individual displays their designation.

The ABDSM adheres to the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and advises all Diplomates and International Certificants to follow the code when advertising their status. It is also recommended that each individual consult their state or local regulatory agency and adhere to their requirements.

Examination Content Areas

ABDSM Certification Exam (200 Questions)

Analysis of polysomnogram reports	9%
Read and interpret medical history and sleep disorders history to assess the patient’s risk regarding dental sleep medicine therapies.	13%
Research and literature review of various treatment options, oral appliance and surgical therapy (as well as alternative procedures for initiating CPAP)	7%
Selection of oral appliances for patients, use of oral appliances versus CPAP on various anatomic, neurobehavioral, and physiological parameters.	11%
Proper fitting techniques for oral appliances	17%
Treatment plan and informed consent for patients as well as indications, contraindications, possible complications and side effects associated with appliance use.	14%
Long-term follow-up care including compliance, appliance stability and care, effectiveness of therapy, and side effects.	13%
Portable monitoring devices in oral appliance therapy.	5%
Oral appliance titration	13%
Oral appliance titration	13%

Sample Questions

1. During a polysomnogram, impedance pleysmography is used to measure?

A. Periodic leg movements
B. Cranial evoked potentials
C. Thoracic and abdominal movement
D. Masseteric contractions

2. The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain is:

A. Bradykinin
B. Vasopressin
C. Prolactin
D. Glutamate

3. After not sleeping for 2 ½ days, what changes, in general, would you expect to see (compared to baseline) in the EEG’s of normal, healthy young adults?

4. Which of the following is not a symptom of OSA?

A. Apneic episodes
B. Restless sleep
C. Nocturia
D. Excessive daytime sleepiness
E. None of the above

5. Which of the following limits widespread use of MRI to evaluate the upper airway?

A. Acquisition speed
B. Dynamic capability
C. Accuracy
D. Costs

6. Current (2005) AASM recommendations regarding use of oral appliances differ from those published by the 1995 ASDA because of which of the following?

A. Recommendations in 1995 were Grade C, supported by Level V evidence
B. Recommendations in 2005 were Grade B, supported by Level II evidence
C. Recommendations in 1995 were Grade B, supported by Level III evidence
D. Recommendations in 2005 were Grade B, supported by Level I evidence

7. Which key factor is not present in Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome?

A. Snoring
B. Sleep fragmentation
C. Oxygen desaturations are present
D. Daytime somnolence
E. Increase in respiratory effort