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.

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 qualification, 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

Airway Anatomy and Physiology	5%
Normal vs. Pathological Imaging Techniques
Basic Sleep Medicine	10%
Normal Sleep Monitoring Techniques
Sleep Disordered Breathing	77%
Definitions	20%
- Type
- Risk factors
- Signs and symptoms
- Physiologic sequelae
- Psychosocioeconomic issues
Treatment: Non Site-Specific	7%
- Positive airway pressure
- Other
Treatment: OAT	40%
- General principles, guidelines, and AADSM protocol
- Mandibular repositioning devices
- Other devices
- Side effects and complications
Treatment: Surgery	10%
- General principles, guidelines, and staging protocols
- Soft tissue procedures
- Skeletal procedures
- Side effects and complications
Other Hypersomnolence Disorders	5%
RLS/PLMD Narcolepsy Other
Other Sleep-Related, Oral and Pain Disorders	3%

Sample Questions

1. NREM sleep is comprised of four stages. Stage II sleep comprises approximately 35% of sleep time.

A. True B. False

2. Stages 3 & 4 are the restorative sleep phases. It is distinguished from other sleep stages by a high degree of immobility and resistance to arousal.

A. True B. False

3. 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

4. Snoring increases among women after menopause. This is thought to be due to reduction in the amount of progesterone.

A. True B. False

5. Men have a smaller airway and greater upper airway resistance than women.

A. True B. False

6. Approximately 30% of individuals with high blood pressure have OSA and 50% of individuals with OSA have high blood pressure.

A. True B. False

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