PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Board

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Saudi Board Specialty Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Saudi Board Anesthesia Final Written Exam (SCFHS)

Practice Questions120 questions

Saudi Board Emergency Medicine Final Written Exam (SCFHS)

Practice Questions114 questions

Saudi Board Dermatology Final Written Exam (SCFHS)

Practice Questions113 questions

Saudi Board Orthopedic Surgery Final Written Exam (SCFHS)

Practice Questions110 questions

Saudi Board Diagnostic Radiology Final Written Exam (SCFHS)

Practice Questions100 questions

Saudi Board Family Medicine Final Written Exam (SCFHS)

Practice Questions100 questions

Sample Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Board Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Board exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During a submandibular approach (Risdon incision) to access a fractured mandibular angle, a surgeon incises the skin and platysma. To protect the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve from transection, at which anatomical plane should the dissection proceed before reaching the inferior border of the mandible?
A.Superficial to the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia
B.Deep to the investing layer of deep cervical fascia and the facial vein
C.Directly through the capsule of the submandibular gland
D.Between the platysma muscle and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system
Explanation: The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve runs deep to the platysma and superficial to the investing layer of deep cervical fascia and facial vessels. In approximately 19% to 20% of individuals, it loops up to 1 to 2 cm below the inferior border of the mandible anterior to the facial artery. Incising through the investing layer of deep cervical fascia and ligating/retracting the anterior facial vein superiorly elevates the nerve safely within the soft tissue flap away from the surgical field.
2A patient experiences torrential hemorrhage during a Le Fort I downfracture following osteotome separation of the pterygomaxillary junction. The hemorrhage is most likely originating from which vascular structure located within the pterygopalatine fossa?
A.Inferior alveolar artery in the infratemporal fossa
B.Facial artery as it crosses the mandible
C.Maxillary artery branches or the descending palatine artery
D.Superficial temporal artery above the zygomatic root
Explanation: The third (pterygopalatine) part of the maxillary artery enters the pterygopalatine fossa via the pterygomaxillary fissure and branches into the descending palatine artery, sphenopalatine artery, and posterior superior alveolar artery. Improper osteotome placement directed superiorly or too deeply during pterygomaxillary dysjunction can lacerate the maxillary artery trunk or the descending palatine canal vessels, causing severe arterial hemorrhage.
3In anatomical studies regarding the course of the lingual nerve in the third molar region, what percentage of specimens demonstrate the lingual nerve coursing at or above the lingual crest of the alveolar bone?
A.More than 60% of specimens
B.Fewer than 1 in 1,000 cases
C.About 10% to 15% of specimens
D.None at all, exactly zero
Explanation: Anatomical investigations (such as those by Kiesselbach and Pogrel) have demonstrated that the lingual nerve lies at or above the lingual crest in approximately 10% to 15% of specimens (and within 2 mm of the crest in up to 22%). Furthermore, it makes direct contact with the lingual cortical plate in up to 25% of cases, highlighting why lingual-releasing incisions and unguided lingual flap retraction carry substantial neurosensory risks.
4Which of the following structures exits the skull base through the foramen spinosum into the infratemporal fossa?
A.Mandibular nerve (V3)
B.Maxillary nerve (V2)
C.Internal carotid artery
D.Middle meningeal artery
Explanation: The foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery (a branch of the first part of the maxillary artery) and the nervus spinosus (meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve) into the middle cranial fossa. The mandibular nerve exits through the foramen ovale, the maxillary nerve through the foramen rotundum, and the internal carotid artery through the carotid canal.
5A deep neck space infection spreading from the retropharyngeal space into the posterior mediastinum travels through which anatomical space bounded anteriorly by the alar fascia and posteriorly by the prevertebral fascia?
A.Visceral space
B.Parapharyngeal pre-styloid space
C.Carotid sheath space
D.Danger space (Space 4)
Explanation: The danger space (Grodinsky and Holyoke Space 4) is located between the alar layer of the deep cervical fascia anteriorly and the prevertebral layer posteriorly. It extends unobstructed from the base of the skull directly into the posterior mediastinum down to the level of the diaphragm (T1-T2 to T12). In contrast, the true retropharyngeal space is bounded posteriorly by the alar fascia and fuses with the visceral fascia at the superior mediastinum (T4 level).
6During surgical excision of the submandibular gland, Wharton's duct (submandibular duct) is identified. Which nerve intimately crosses Wharton's duct, looping from lateral to inferior and then medial to the duct as it courses toward the tongue?
A.Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B.Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
C.Lingual nerve
D.Marginal mandibular nerve
Explanation: The lingual nerve enters the submandibular triangle from the infratemporal fossa, passing lateral to the Wharton duct. It then loops underneath (inferior to) the duct and ascends medial to the duct to supply general somatic sensation and taste (via chorda tympani) to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve lies inferiorly on the hyoglossus muscle separated by the submandibular gland.
7When harvesting a vascularized fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction, how much bone must be preserved at both the proximal head and distal malleolus to prevent knee ligamentous instability and ankle mortise destabilization?
A.1 to 2 cm proximally and distally
B.12 to 14 cm proximally and distally
C.6 to 8 cm proximally and distally
D.No bone preservation is required if syndesmosis screws are placed
Explanation: A minimum of 6 to 8 cm of bone must be left intact proximally to protect the lateral collateral ligament and the common peroneal nerve winding around the fibular neck, and 6 to 8 cm must be preserved distally to maintain stability of the ankle mortise and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Up to 25 cm of vascularized cortical bone can typically be harvested between these boundaries on the peroneal vascular pedicle.
8Which clinical pre-operative evaluation must be performed prior to harvesting a radial forearm free flap to confirm adequate collateral hand perfusion via the ulnar artery?
A.Phalen test at the wrist
B.Adson maneuver for thoracic outlet
C.Tinel sign over the median nerve
D.Allen test, clinical or Doppler-assisted
Explanation: The Allen test assesses patency of the ulnar artery and the palmar arches. Both the radial and ulnar arteries are compressed while the patient exsanguinates the hand by clenching. Pressure on the ulnar artery is released; reperfusion of the entire palm within 6 to 10 seconds indicates an intact, competent palmar arch. A persistent pale hand indicates an incomplete palmar arch, which is an absolute contraindication to radial artery harvest due to the risk of hand ischemia.
9The anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous free flap is based on perforating vessels arising from which primary arterial source?
A.Medial circumflex femoral artery branch
B.Superficial femoral artery trunk
C.Descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery
D.Ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery
Explanation: The ALT flap is supplied by musculocutaneous or septocutaneous perforators originating from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), which arises from the profunda femoris artery. The pedicle courses in the intermuscular septum between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles, providing a long vascular pedicle (8-12 cm) with large-caliber vessels.
10Which of the following regional flaps is considered the primary workhorse pedicled myocutaneous flap for salvage head and neck reconstruction following free flap failure or in irradiated wound breakdowns?
A.Deltopectoral fasciocutaneous flap
B.Temporalis muscle rotation flap
C.Submental island flap
D.Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap
Explanation: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) is the primary workhorse pedicled salvage flap in head and neck surgery. Based on the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery, it provides bulky vascularized muscle and resilient skin capable of reaching the oral cavity, pharynx, and mandible without requiring microvascular anastomosis, making it ideal for salvage after free flap failure or in vessel-depleted, heavily irradiated necks.

About the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Board Exam

Independent English-language MCQ study adaptation by OpenExamPrep. Independent MCQ study aid by OpenExamPrep for the Saudi Board Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery final written exam. Covers trauma, pathology, orthognathic surgery, reconstruction, TMJ, and dentoalveolar surgery. Note: This bank supports written exam preparation and does not simulate the clinical OSCE or structured oral exam.

Exam sponsor: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint.

Time Limit

Not published by SCFHS

Passing Score

70% (lowered to minimum 65% if pass rate under 70%)

Exam / Certification Fees

Not published by SCFHS

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published by SCFHS. SCFHS publishes no candidate pass rate. The blueprint instead sets the passing score at 70% and, if fewer than 70% of candidates pass before final approval, lowers that score one mark at a time until a 70% pass rate is reached or the score reaches 65%, whichever comes first; it is never lowered below 65%. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

6%

Applied Surgical Anatomy

Head and neck fascial spaces, cranial nerves, vascular arborization, and surgical access pathways.

6%

Reconstruction

Microvascular free flaps, regional myocutaneous flaps, bone grafting, and donor site morbidity.

5%

Medications and Medically Compromised Patients

Anticoagulation, MRONJ, endocrine crisis, antibiotic prophylaxis, and systemic disease management.

6%

Anesthesia

Difficult airway algorithms, deep sedation, local anesthetic toxicity, and perioperative crisis management.

8%

Implants and Pre-prosthetics

Sinus floor elevation, guided bone regeneration, zygomatic implants, and ridge augmentation.

10%

Dentoalveolar Surgery

Impacted third molars, coronectomy, odontogenic infections, oroantral communications, and nerve injuries.

20%

Maxillofacial Trauma

Mandibular, Le Fort, zygomaticomaxillary, naso-orbito-ethmoid, orbital blowout, and frontal sinus fractures.

10%

Maxillofacial Pathology

Odontogenic tumors, cysts, giant cell lesions, salivary neoplasms, and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

10%

Orthognathic Surgery

Maxillary and mandibular osteotomies, surgical planning, facial asymmetry, and complication management.

9%

Temporomandibular Joint

Internal derangement, arthrocentesis, ankylosis release, condylar hyperplasia, and total joint replacement.

5%

Craniofacial Surgery and Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate repair timing, alveolar bone grafting, craniosynostosis, and distraction osteogenesis.

5%

Cosmetic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, cervicofacial rhytidectomy, rhinoplasty, lipofilling, and facial aesthetic procedures.

Preparing for the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Board Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (lowered to minimum 65% if pass rate under 70%)
  • Assessment: Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint.
  • Time limit: Not published by SCFHS
  • Exam / certification fees: Not published by SCFHS Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the Saudi Board OMFS final written examination?

Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint.

What is the passing score for the Saudi Board OMFS written exam?

The standard pass mark is 70%. If fewer than 70% of candidates achieve this score, the pass mark is lowered by one mark at a time to reach a 70% cohort pass rate, but never below 65%.

Does this question bank simulate the clinical OSCE?

This bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation for the written examination. It does not simulate or replace the separate mandatory final clinical/practical assessment. Consult the specialty clinical blueprint for its station formats and any structured oral or OSCE components.