BOARD CERTIFICATION
Certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (ABOMR) requires successful completion of both Part 1 and Part 2 Certifying Examinations. Once certified by the ABOMR, the Candidate will become a Diplomate of the Board and must participate in Certification Maintenance.
Board Certification Examinations
Overview of The Certification Process
The certification process is comprehensive, covering the physical and biological sciences and clinical practice of oral and maxillofacial radiology. The certification process in oral and maxillofacial radiology consists of two examinations:
PART 1: Foundational Sciences
Part 1 is a secure, virtual, psychometrically valid, computer-based examination designed to test competency in the physical and biological sciences necessary in the dental specialty of oral and maxillofacial radiology. It is administered remotely over two (2) days within the United States on the same date. Dates of the examination are provided on the ABOMR website approximately 6 months before the examination date, unless otherwise prevented by circumstances not in control of the Board.
The Part 1 examination consists of two sections:
- Radiation Physics and Imaging Technology (RPIT) – Administered on Day 1
- Radiation Biology, Safety and Protection (RBP) – Administered on Day 2
Part 2: Clinical Sciences
Part 2 is a computer-based examination designed to test competency in radiographic anatomy, pathophysiology and interpretation, and radiographic differential diagnosis of maxillofacial pathoses necessary in the specialty of oral and maxillofacial radiology. It is administered at a specific site within the United States over two days annually. Part 2 examination consists of three sections:
- Section 1 - Anatomy (Day 1 AM [4 hours])
- Section 2 - Interpretation and Pathophysiology (Day 1 PM [4 hours])
- Section 3 - Written Case Interpretation (Day 2 AM (4 hours) – five cases / Day 2 PM (4 hours) – five cases)
Part 1 Examination
The ABOMR Part 1 Certification Examination (Part 1) is the first step in becoming a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist. It is a secure, psychometrically valid computer-based examination administered eligible applicants to test their knowledge in fundamental principles of the specialty.
Part 2 Examination
The ABOMR Part 2 Certification Examinations (Part 2) is a written, multiple choice and short answer examination designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and judgment in the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology. The test is comprised of three sections on radiographic anatomy, pathophysiology and the radiographic presentation, and differential diagnosis of maxillofacial pathology. Successful completion of Part 2 results in being formally recognized as a Diplomate of ABOMR.