100+ Free ABPros Prosthodontics Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

What is the ideal total occlusal convergence (taper) for a single full-coverage crown preparation to optimize retention and resistance form?

0-2°

4-8°

15-20°

25-30°

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABPros Prosthodontics Exam

4 parts

Sequential Examination

Written + Case-based + Clinical Practical + Treatment Planning

3 yr

CODA Residency

Minimum CODA-accredited prosthodontics residency length

~16%

Implant Prosthodontics

Largest single domain on 2026 ABPros content outline

~$3-4.5k

2026 Total Exam Fees

Approximate total across all 4 parts (verify ABPros schedule)

~400 MPa

Lithium Disilicate

Flexural strength of IPS e.max (anterior/posterior crowns)

4-8°

Ideal Crown Taper

Total occlusal convergence (Shillingburg, Rosenstiel)

ABPros Certification is a 4-part sequential examination (Written + Case-based + Clinical Practical + Treatment Planning) from the American Board of Prosthodontics validating knowledge and clinical competency for independent prosthodontic practice. Content spans implant prosthodontics (~16%), complete dentures (~13%), occlusion (~11%), fixed prosthodontics (~11%), removable partial dentures (~11%), dental materials (~10%), esthetics (~8%), digital dentistry (~6%), maxillofacial (~4%), occlusal appliances (~4%), TMD (~3%), and geriatric prosthodontics (~3%). Total fees run approximately $3,000-$4,500 across all 4 parts; requires completion of a CODA-accredited prosthodontics residency (3 years).

Sample ABPros Prosthodontics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABPros Prosthodontics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the ideal total occlusal convergence (taper) for a single full-coverage crown preparation to optimize retention and resistance form?

A.0-2°

B.4-8°

C.15-20°

D.25-30°

Explanation: Classic principles (Shillingburg, Rosenstiel) recommend a total occlusal convergence of 4-8° (2-4° per wall). Near-parallel walls maximize retention and resistance form. Clinically achieved tapers often exceed 12-20°, but the textbook ideal remains 4-8°.

2Which margin design is most appropriate for a full-gold crown on a mandibular molar?

A.Shoulder with bevel

B.90° shoulder

C.Chamfer

D.Feather edge with porcelain

Explanation: A chamfer margin is the preferred finish line for cast metal crowns because it provides an obtuse marginal angle, adequate bulk of metal, and good marginal adaptation. Shoulder margins are reserved for all-ceramic restorations or the facial margin of PFMs.

3Lithium disilicate (IPS e.max) monolithic crowns have a flexural strength of approximately:

A.100 MPa

B.400 MPa

C.1200 MPa

D.2000 MPa

Explanation: Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic has a flexural strength of ~360-400 MPa, making it suitable for anterior and posterior single crowns and short-span anterior bridges. Zirconia (3Y-TZP) is ~1000-1200 MPa. Feldspathic porcelain is ~60-100 MPa.

4Which pontic design provides the BEST esthetics and tissue adaptation in the anterior maxilla?

A.Sanitary (hygienic)

B.Saddle (ridge-lap)

C.Ovate pontic

D.Conical pontic

Explanation: The ovate pontic emerges from a pre-prepared tissue socket and mimics the cervical emergence of a natural tooth, yielding superior esthetics. It is contraindicated where ridge volume is deficient. Saddle pontics are unhygienic. Sanitary pontics are reserved for posterior mandibular FPDs.

5The biologic width (supracrestal tissue attachment) averages approximately:

A.0.5 mm

B.2.04 mm

C.4.0 mm

D.6.0 mm

Explanation: Gargiulo's classic dimensions: junctional epithelium ~0.97 mm and connective tissue attachment ~1.07 mm, totaling ~2.04 mm. Crown margins should remain at least 2-3 mm coronal to the alveolar crest. Violation causes inflammation, recession, or bone loss.

6Which impression material exhibits the highest dimensional stability over 24 hours?

A.Irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate)

B.Polysulfide rubber

C.Polyvinyl siloxane (PVS)

D.Reversible hydrocolloid (agar)

Explanation: PVS (addition silicone) has excellent dimensional stability — dimensional change is <0.05% over several days, so pours can be delayed. Polyether is similar but more hydrophilic and stiffer. Alginate must be poured within ~10 minutes due to syneresis/imbibition.

7A patient presents with a missing maxillary right first molar and missing maxillary left second and third molars. The Kennedy classification is:

A.Class I

B.Class II modification 1

C.Class III modification 1

D.Class IV

Explanation: Kennedy Class II = unilateral distal extension (left side, edentulous posterior to natural teeth). The additional contralateral bounded edentulous space (missing #3) is a modification. Class I = bilateral distal extension; Class III = bounded edentulous; Class IV = single midline-crossing anterior.

8The maxillary major connector of choice for a patient with a prominent palatal torus that cannot be surgically removed is:

A.Full palatal coverage

B.Single palatal strap

C.U-shaped (horseshoe) connector

D.Anteroposterior palatal strap

Explanation: A U-shaped (horseshoe) major connector avoids covering a prominent midline torus. It is the least rigid maxillary connector and therefore reserved for this and similar indications. When possible, an AP palatal strap or full palate is preferred for rigidity.

9The superior border of a mandibular lingual bar should be located at least how far from the free gingival margin?

A.1 mm

B.3 mm

C.6-8 mm

D.10 mm

Explanation: The superior border of a lingual bar should be at least 3 mm apical to the free gingival margin to avoid tissue impingement. The bar itself is typically 4-5 mm high with a half-pear cross-section, requiring at least 7-8 mm of floor depth from gingival margin to floor of the mouth.

10An I-bar (Roach) clasp engages the undercut:

A.Occlusogingivally, contacting the tooth above the height of contour first

B.Gingivoocclusally, approaching from below the height of contour

C.Mesiodistally across the occlusal surface

D.Horizontally around the cingulum

Explanation: I-bar clasps approach the undercut from a gingival direction (bar-type / Roach clasp), engaging a 0.01-inch mesiofacial undercut. This is commonly used in the RPI system (rest, proximal plate, I-bar) for distal extension RPDs to allow release during function.

About the ABPros Prosthodontics Exam

The American Board of Prosthodontics (ABPros) Certification validates core knowledge and clinical competency for independent practice in prosthodontics. The sequential 4-part examination (Part 1 Written, Part 2 Case-based, Part 3 Clinical Practical, Part 4 Treatment Planning) covers implant prosthodontics (Brånemark osseointegration, All-on-4/All-on-X, screw-retained vs cement-retained, overdentures, peri-implantitis), complete dentures (border molding, VDO, centric relation, balanced occlusion, combination syndrome), occlusion (Dawson CR, canine guidance vs group function, facebow, semi-adjustable articulators), fixed prosthodontics (crown preparation taper 4-8°, chamfer vs shoulder margins, biologic width, cementation), removable partial dentures (Kennedy classification I-IV, direct/indirect retainers, RPI/RPA, major connectors), dental materials (lithium disilicate e.max ~400 MPa, 3Y-TZP/4Y/5Y-TZP zirconia, PFM, gold alloys, cements), esthetics (smile design, golden proportion, shade selection, veneers), digital dentistry (Trios, iTero, Primescan, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, surgical guides), TMD (DC/TMD, Michigan splint, NTI-tss), occlusal appliances, geriatric prosthodontics, and maxillofacial prosthodontics (obturators per Aramany, ocular/orbital/auricular prostheses, OSA MAD). Requires completion of a CODA-accredited prosthodontics residency (minimum 3 years).

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

Multi-day 4-part examination (Written + Case-based + Clinical Practical + Treatment Planning)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced standard set by ABPros for each of the 4 parts

Exam Fee

~$3,000-$4,500 across 4 parts (ABPros 2026 — verify current schedule) (American Board of Prosthodontics)

ABPros Prosthodontics Exam Content Outline

~16%

Implant Prosthodontics

Brånemark osseointegration, implant surface and macro design, platform switching, bone-level vs tissue-level, single crowns vs FPDs vs full-arch; All-on-4/All-on-X tilted posterior implants with immediate loading; screw-retained vs cement-retained prostheses; angled screw channel abutments; zirconia vs titanium abutments; implant overdentures with Locator/ball/bar attachments; immediate vs delayed loading protocols; sinus augmentation; peri-implantitis diagnosis and management.

~13%

Complete Dentures

Preliminary/final impressions (border molding with modeling plastic, PVS wash), maxillomandibular records, vertical dimension of occlusion determination, centric relation recording, facebow transfer, tooth selection and arrangement (lingualized vs monoplane vs anatomic), balanced occlusion (Hanau quint), festooning, processing shrinkage, immediate dentures, single complete dentures opposing natural dentition, post-insertion adjustments, combination syndrome (Kelly — hyperplastic anterior maxilla opposing lower Kennedy Class I).

~11%

Occlusion

Centric relation (Dawson bimanual manipulation, leaf gauge, anterior deprogrammer), centric occlusion/maximum intercuspation, CR-MI slide, canine guidance vs group function, anterior guidance, Bennett angle and movement, condylar inclination, Curve of Spee and Curve of Wilson, articulators (semi-adjustable — Hanau Wide-Vue, Whip Mix; fully adjustable — Stuart, Denar), facebow (arbitrary vs kinematic), occlusal equilibration.

~11%

Fixed Prosthodontics

Crown preparation with ideal 4-8° total occlusal convergence, margin design (chamfer for cast metal/PFM lingual, shoulder for all-ceramic facial, rounded shoulder or deep chamfer for zirconia), biologic width (Gargiulo ~2.04 mm) and crown lengthening, provisional restorations (PMMA, bis-acryl), impression techniques (PVS, polyether, digital), cementation (zinc phosphate, RMGI, resin cement, self-adhesive), pontic designs (ridge-lap, modified ridge-lap, ovate, sanitary), retainer selection, FPD vs implant decision.

~11%

Removable Partial Dentures (RPD)

Kennedy classification I-IV with Applegate modifications, survey and design, path of insertion, rest seats, direct retainers (circumferential — Akers, ring, reverse back-action; bar — I-bar, T-bar per RPI/RPA concepts), indirect retainers, major connectors (maxillary — palatal strap/plate/U-shape/AP bar; mandibular — lingual bar/plate, Kennedy bar), minor connectors, guide planes, altered cast technique for distal extension partials.

~10%

Dental Materials

Lithium disilicate (IPS e.max, flexural strength ~360-400 MPa) for anterior/posterior single crowns; zirconia polycrystals — 3Y-TZP (~1000-1200 MPa high strength, low translucency), 4Y/5Y-TZP (more translucent, lower strength for anterior esthetics); PFM (metal-ceramic); gold alloys (Type I-IV); resin composites; impression materials (alginate, PVS, polyether); cementation agents; CAD/CAM blocks; bonding to zirconia (10-MDP primers — Panavia).

~8%

Esthetics

Smile design principles, golden proportion (1.618:1), recurring esthetic dental (RED) proportion, dental and facial midlines, incisal edge position and lip dynamics, gingival zenith positions (lateral apical to central/canine line), smile line (high/average/low), shade selection (Vita Classical, Vita 3D-Master, digital shade matching), value/chroma/hue, translucency, porcelain veneers (feldspathic stacked vs pressed lithium disilicate), preparation designs (window, feather, incisal bevel, incisal overlap).

~6%

Digital Dentistry

Intraoral scanners (3Shape Trios, iTero Element/Lumina, Dentsply Sirona Primescan, Medit i700), CBCT for implant planning and surgical guides, CAD/CAM design software (exocad, 3Shape Dental System), milling (wet/dry, 5-axis), 3D printing (SLA, DLP, MJP) for models/surgical guides/dentures/temporaries, digital dentures, digital facebow, virtual articulator, STL/PLY file workflow, digital smile design.

~4%

Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

Head and neck cancer rehabilitation, maxillary obturators (surgical, interim, definitive) per Aramany classification, palatal lift and speech bulb for velopharyngeal insufficiency, mandibular resection prostheses (guidance flange), ocular/orbital/auricular/nasal prostheses, craniofacial implants (Brånemark extraoral), radiation caries and osteoradionecrosis prevention, xerostomia management post-radiation, obstructive sleep apnea mandibular advancement devices (MAD).

~4%

Occlusal Appliances

Full-coverage stabilization splint (Michigan, Tanner) for bruxism and TMD, anterior deprogrammer (Lucia jig, leaf gauge) for CR recording, NTI-tss (nociceptive trigeminal inhibition) anterior-only splint for migraine/bruxism, anterior repositioning splint for disc displacement with reduction, soft vinyl night guards, sports guards, post-insertion adjustment protocols, complications of partial-coverage appliances (occlusal changes, supereruption).

~3%

TMD

Temporomandibular joint anatomy (disc, retrodiscal tissue, lateral pterygoid), DC/TMD classification, myofascial pain, disc displacement with/without reduction, osteoarthritis, clicking vs crepitus, conservative therapy (soft diet, NSAIDs, physical therapy), occlusal appliances (stabilization Michigan/Tanner splint, NTI-tss anterior-only), arthrocentesis, referral criteria, differentiation from odontogenic pain.

~3%

Geriatric Prosthodontics

Age-related changes (xerostomia, decreased masticatory force, ridge resorption — Atwood classification, Cawood-Howell), polypharmacy and medication-induced xerostomia, combination syndrome (Kelly), denture stomatitis (Candida albicans), epulis fissuratum, overdenture strategy for root/implant retention, oral hygiene for dependent elderly, nutrition and denture adaptation.

How to Pass the ABPros Prosthodontics Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced standard set by ABPros for each of the 4 parts
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: Multi-day 4-part examination (Written + Case-based + Clinical Practical + Treatment Planning)
Exam fee: ~$3,000-$4,500 across 4 parts (ABPros 2026 — verify current schedule)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABPros Prosthodontics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Kennedy classification (Applegate rules): Class I bilateral distal extension; Class II unilateral distal extension; Class III unilateral bounded edentulous area; Class IV single anterior edentulous area crossing the midline. The MOST POSTERIOR edentulous area determines the class. Modifications are additional edentulous areas (not counted for Class IV). RPI vs RPA on distal extension: mesial rest, distal guide plate, I-bar (or aker-style 'A' clasp) — designed to rotate and dissipate force during function.

2Crown preparation fundamentals: ideal total occlusal convergence 4-8° (Shillingburg, Rosenstiel) — 2-4° per wall. Chamfer margin for cast metal and PFM lingual (obtuse marginal angle, bulk of metal). Rounded shoulder or deep chamfer for zirconia. Shoulder (butt joint) for all-ceramic facial and PFM facial porcelain margin. Respect biologic width (Gargiulo 2.04 mm: ~0.97 mm connective tissue attachment + ~1.07 mm junctional epithelium). Perform crown lengthening when margin would violate biologic width.

3Ceramic flexural strength ladder (memorize): feldspathic porcelain ~60-100 MPa (veneers only, bonded); leucite-reinforced glass ceramic ~160 MPa; lithium disilicate IPS e.max ~360-400 MPa (anterior/posterior single crowns, short anterior 3-unit FPDs); 3Y-TZP zirconia ~1000-1200 MPa (high-strength posterior single crowns and FPDs, opaque); 4Y/5Y-TZP zirconia ~600-800 MPa (more translucent, anterior esthetics). Bond to zirconia using 10-MDP primers (Panavia, Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus) because silane/HF etching do NOT work on polycrystalline zirconia.

4Centric relation (Dawson): most superior-anterior position of the condyles in the glenoid fossae with disc interposed. Record with bimanual manipulation, leaf gauge, Lucia jig anterior deprogrammer, or central-bearing device. CR = bone-to-bone reference position independent of teeth. Maximum intercuspation (MI or CO) = tooth-determined position. CR-MI slide typically <1 mm; larger slides or deflective contacts suggest occlusal instability. Use CR mount on a semi-adjustable articulator (Hanau Wide-Vue, Whip Mix) with arbitrary facebow for most prosthodontic cases.

5All-on-4 (Malo): 2 axial anterior implants + 2 tilted posterior implants (up to 45°) emerging at the first molar position, immediate loading of a provisional fixed hybrid prosthesis. Tilted implants avoid maxillary sinus and mandibular inferior alveolar nerve while providing better AP spread (prosthetic cantilever reduced). Screw-retained preferred over cement-retained for full-arch to enable retrievability and avoid excess cement (implant-related peri-implantitis risk). Angled screw channel (ASC) abutments allow screw-retention when screw access would otherwise emerge through the facial. Zirconia (monolithic multilayered) or titanium + acrylic/composite for definitive hybrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABPros Prosthodontics certification examination?

The American Board of Prosthodontics (ABPros) Certification is a 4-part sequential examination validating knowledge and clinical competency for independent practice in prosthodontics. The parts are Part 1 Written (multiple-choice), Part 2 Case-based, Part 3 Clinical Practical, and Part 4 Treatment Planning. Content spans fixed, removable, implant, and maxillofacial prosthodontics along with occlusion, dental materials, esthetics, digital dentistry, TMD, and geriatric prosthodontics.

Who is eligible to take the ABPros examination?

Candidates must hold a D.D.S., D.M.D., or equivalent dental degree with a valid unrestricted dental license and must complete a CODA-accredited advanced education program in prosthodontics (minimum 3 years). The program director must attest to satisfactory residency completion. Candidates must adhere to the ACP/ABPros Code of Ethics and submit applications per the ABPros schedule.

What is the format of the ABPros examination?

ABPros uses a 4-part sequential format. Part 1 (Written) is a multiple-choice examination covering the full content outline. Part 2 (Case-based) evaluates diagnosis and case management. Part 3 (Clinical Practical) assesses technical skills on patient cases or simulations. Part 4 (Treatment Planning) tests integrated planning across complex restorative scenarios. Each part must be passed before progressing to the next.

How much does the 2026 ABPros examination cost?

Total fees for the 2026 ABPros 4-part sequence run approximately $3,000-$4,500 — always verify the current schedule on the ABPros website. Cancellation and refund policies follow the ABPros schedule with decreasing refunds as the exam date approaches. Per-part retake fees apply and require re-registration within the eligibility window.

When are the ABPros exam parts administered?

ABPros administers each part on its own schedule across the calendar year. Part 1 Written is typically offered at least annually; Parts 2-4 are administered at specific ABPros testing sessions. Candidates progress sequentially and must pass each part before registering for the next. Exact 2026 dates should be confirmed on the ABPros website.

How is the exam scored?

ABPros uses criterion-referenced scoring with passing standards set by subject-matter experts for each of the 4 parts. A candidate's pass/fail result depends on performance against the fixed standard, not relative to other candidates. Score reports include domain-level feedback. All 4 parts must be successfully completed to achieve Diplomate status.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include Kennedy classification and RPD design (direct/indirect retainers, RPI/RPA), complete denture centric relation and balanced occlusion (Dawson, facebow, Hanau quint), crown preparation taper and margin design (chamfer vs shoulder, biologic width), dental materials (lithium disilicate e.max ~400 MPa vs 3Y-TZP zirconia ~1000-1200 MPa, PFM), implant prosthodontics (Brånemark osseointegration, All-on-4/All-on-X, screw-retained vs cement-retained), smile design and golden proportion, and digital workflow (Trios, iTero, Primescan, CAD/CAM, surgical guides).

How should I study for this exam?

Use a structured 12-24 month plan across residency and post-residency. Map to the ABPros content outline: start with fixed prosthodontics, materials, and occlusion; then removable partial and complete dentures; then implants, digital workflow, and esthetics; finish with TMD, occlusal appliances, maxillofacial, and geriatric. Use Shillingburg's Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics, Rosenstiel's Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics, Carr's McCracken's Removable Partial, Zarb-Bolender Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients, Dawson's Functional Occlusion, and Misch's Contemporary Implant Dentistry. Complete 2-3 full-length timed mock Part 1 exams and review cases for Parts 2-4.