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 pre-requisites or
failure of examination) by submitting a writ-ten 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, 2510 North Frontage Road,
Darien, IL 60561. 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% of Examination)
- Read and interpret medical history and sleep disorders history to assess the patient’s
risk regarding dental sleep medicine therapies. (13% of Examination)
- Research and literature review of various treatment options, oral appliance and
surgical therapy (as well as alternative procedures for initiating CPAP) (7%
of Examination)
- Selection of oral appliances for patients, use of oral appliances versus CPAP on
various anatomic, neurobehavioral, and physiological parameters. (11% of Examination)
- Proper fitting techniques for oral appliances (17% of Examination)
- Treatment plan and informed consent for patients as well as indications, contraindications,
possible complications and side effects associated with appliance use. (14%
of Examination)
- Long-term follow-up care including compliance, appliance stability and care, effectiveness
of therapy, and side effects. (13% of Examination)
- Portable monitoring devices in oral appliance therapy. (5% of Examination)
- Oral appliance titration (13% of Examination)
Sample Questions
1. Treatment of nasal congestion is an important part of treatment of OSA because:
A. Nasal airway obstruction of healthy males increases their AHI to > 40.
B. Women with chronic nasal congestion do better with mandibular repositioning devices.
C. Nasal congestion interferes with use of nasal CPAP.
D. Rhinitis causes frequent awakenings.
2. For mild OSA Oral Appliance Therapy has been compared to UPPP. The results show:
A. Equal effectiveness.
B. Oral appliances have been shown superior by polysomnographic studies.
C. No effectiveness seen for UPPP.
D. UPPP more effective than oral appliance.
3. Which of the following improves the objective measurements by polysomnograph
of Oral Appliance Therapy?
A. Amount of protrusion
B. Single appliance
C. Type of retention
D. Vertical opening
4. Oral appliances are less effective in:
A. Obese patients.
B. Women.
C. Patients less than 30 years old.
D.Patients with milder OSA.
5. Objective data reported for nightly self-use of oral appliances:
A. Shows patients use oral appliances an average of 10 hours per night.
B. Is in the same range as the self-reported patient data.
C. Shows patients use oral appliances an average of 4 hours per night.
D. Is the same as that for CPAP.
6. The most significant change in airway size that is produced by Mandibular Advancement
Devices is:
A. In a lateral dimension.
B. By increasing the airway length.
C. In an anterior-posterior dimension.
D. By depressing the larynx.
7. The current practice parameters for the use of oral appliances in patients with
OSA states:
A. Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with severe OSA who prefer
OAs to CPAP.
B. Cephalometric x-rays are required prior to use of Oral Appliance Therapy.
C. Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA who
prefer OAs to CPAP or are not good candidates for CPAP.
D. Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild, moderate, or severe
OSA only after a trial of CPAP has been completed.
Answers: 1-C, 1-B, 3-A, 4-A, 5-B, 6-A, 7-C