The ABP Oral Certifying Examination (OCE) is an oral-based assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s clinically relevant knowledge and judgment in prosthodontics. This examination comprises open-ended questions that thoroughly assess the candidate’s expertise and clinical reasoning. To be eligible for the OCE, candidates must first successfully complete the Qualifying Examination (QE), which establishes a foundational level of competence. Those who pass the QE are better prepared for the OCE, as it requires a deeper understanding of prosthodontics. Additionally, candidates must have completed formal training in prosthodontics before they can attempt the OCE, ensuring they are well-prepared for this rigorous assessment.
The OCE is conducted over three days, with each day dedicated to a major area of prosthodontics. On Day 1, candidates will be assessed on Fixed Prosthodontics; Day 2 focuses on Removable Prosthodontics; and Day 3 is centered on Implant Prosthodontics. Candidates are required to challenge all three examinations consecutively, demonstrating their comprehensive knowledge at a single point in time. The evaluation yields a binary pass/fail decision, eliminating the possibility of a partial pass. Each exam is conducted by a pair of examiners, resulting in assessments by a total of six different evaluators. Throughout the examination process, candidates engage with clinical vignettes that inspire questions and discussions, allowing for an in-depth evaluation of their clinical decision-making abilities.
The OCE specifically measures higher-level cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to analyze and evaluate clinical scenarios. Candidates are tested on their clinical judgment and their capacity to assess and treat cases while understanding potential outcomes. The clinical cases presented are representative of those typically encountered by practicing prosthodontic specialists and reflect contemporary practices within the field. The content is curated by the American Board of Prosthodontics to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ knowledge relevant to prosthodontics. This comprehensive structure ensures that candidates are thoroughly evaluated across a broad spectrum of knowledge essential for success in the field of prosthodontics.
The content of the examination is consistent with current Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) Standards for Advanced Dental Education Programs in Prosthodontics. Vignettes serve to evaluate depth and breadth of candidate knowledge in prosthodontics and related disciplines and sciences. For questions about the examination process or logistics that are not covered in these Guidelines, contact the ABP Chief Professional Officer at exams@abpros.org.
The ABP partners with a professional testing organization to develop a structured examination format that ensures reliability, validity, and objectivity in identifying candidates who possess the necessary knowledge, expertise, and judgment to achieve Diplomate status. Scoring for the OCE is based on independent ratings provided by examiners, which allow for the calibration of all examination components, including candidate scaled scores and overall outcomes. Each clinical vignette is accompanied by specifically crafted questions, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. As a result, the quality of the ratings by examiners is closely monitored to maintain their effectiveness and relevance within the scoring model, thereby upholding the integrity of the evaluation process and ensuring it accurately measures candidates’ competencies in the field of prosthodontics.
The OCE will incorporate advanced psychometric modeling through Multi-Facet Rasch Modeling. This approach effectively addresses variations in rater severity and case difficulty across different exams and administrations, thereby enhancing the reliability of candidates’ ability estimates. This ensures a more equitable assessment process, allowing for accurate and consistent evaluations of all candidates.
Current Version Updated October 22, 2025
