ABDSM | LATEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | FULL
TESTBANK 2026
Which of the following statements is true regarding a modified mallampati classification of the oral
pharynx?
A. Mallampati II allows visualization of only the hard palate
B. Malampati III allows visualization of only the hard palate
C. Malampati classifications are taken with the patient sedated and reclined
D. Mallampati classifications of IV have greater odds ratio than Mallampati
- ANSWER- classifications of I for
severe OSAD. Mallampati classifications of IV have greater odds ratio than Mallampati
classifications of I for severe OSA
What 8 item questionnaire was developed to perioperatively screen for risk of OSA?
A. ESS
B. STOP-BANG
C. MSLT
- ANSWER- D. BerlinB. STOP-BANG
In the pathophysiology of sleep apnea, airway patency and stability is promoted by which factor?
A. Increased lung volume
B. Shorter mandible
C. Increased parapharyngeal fat deposition
D. Negative inspiratory pressure
E. Reduced pharyngeal muscle dilator - ANSWER- activityA. Increased lung volume
Oral appliance therapy commonly provides successful sole therapy for which of the following
sleeprelated breathing disorders?
A. Primary central sleep apnea
B. Cheyne-Stoke periodic breathing
C. Obesity hypoventilation
D. Overlap syndrome (OSA and COPD) E. None of the aboveE. None of the above
- ANSWER-
Which of the following is true about OSA and HTN?
A. Ambulatory BP is increased in OSA patients primarily due to increased salt intake associated with
elevated ghrelin levels
B. Ambulatory BP normally increases in the early AM before awakening - this increase is blunted in
OSA
C. Untreated OSA is associated with a similar risk of HTN at all severity levels
D. The risk of HTN in untreated OSA is due to intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic
overactivation, inflammation, and - ANSWER- other complex factorsD. The risk of HTN in
untreated OSA is due to intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic overactivation, inflammation, and other
complex factors
,Across a general population, what is the most common sleep disorder?
A. RLS
B. Narcolepsy
C. Delayed sleep phase syndrome
D. Insomnia
E. Obstructive sleep - ANSWER- apneaD. Insomnia
Measurement has shown that patients with sleep apnea have smaller upper airways than those
without sleep apnea but manage to keep an open airway during wakefulness by:
A. Mouth Breathing
B. Increased muscle tone on inspiration
C. Increased blood flow to the soft tissue
D. Frequent - ANSWER- bruxingB. Increased muscle tone on inspiration
Key features of sleep apnea as recorded during an in-lab sleep study include marked reduction or
absence of air flow, arousals from sleep, slowing of heart rate and:
A. Choking or gasping for air
B. Oxygen desaturation
C. Flattening of the nasal pressure signal
D. Flailing of the arms and legs
E. Sawtooth waves in the - ANSWER- EEGB. Oxygen Desaturation
Who publishes the CPT codebook?
A. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
B. The American Medical Association
C. The Office of the Inspector General
D. The Durable Medical Equipment Service
E. The American Academy of Sleep - ANSWER- MedicineB. The American Medical
Association
A 48 year old man is treated with OAT for his moderate OSA. On repeat sleep testing, his
apneahypopnea index (AHI) has decreased to 3 events per hour, and he reports resolution of snoring
and daytime sleepiness. What is the most reasonable dental-medical sleep medicine follow up
regimen for this patient?
A. As needed
B. Every 6 months for the first year, then annually
C. Monthly for the first 6 months, then every 6 months
D. Every other - ANSWER- yearB. Every 6 months for the first year, then annually
Which of the following would exclude oral appliance therapy as a first treatment trial for OSA?
A. Xerostomia
B. Edentulism
C. Micrognathia
D. Steep mandibular plane - ANSWER- angleB. Edentulism
Reviewing your patient's diagnostic polysomnogram, you note more than a 50% epoch consists of
alpha waves. According to the current PSG scoring guidelines, the patient is in which stage of sleep?
,A. Stage I NREM
B. Stage II NREM
C. Stage III NREM
D. Stage - ANSWER- REMA. Stage I NREM
A patient presents for an evaluation to determine their candidacy for an oral appliance to treat their
mild OSA. During your examination, you note the presence of TMD. This might include the following:
A. Pain in the TMJ
B. Pain in the muscles of mastication
C. Anomalies in mandibular movement
D. All of the - ANSWER- aboveD. All of the above
The qualified dentist designation (QDD) came about in response to the 2015 practice guidelines paper
recommending that physicians refer patients to dentists "qualified" to treat sleep related breathing
disorders. This was based upon recognition of which of the following?
A. Older dentists have more experience than younger dentists
B. All dentists have the skills they need to deliver knowledgeable care
C. Oral appliance efficacy data collected in studies is obtained by dentist with extensive clinical
experience
D. Training in dental schools on oral appliance therapy has become common - ANSWER- placeC.
Oral appliance efficacy data collected in studies is obtained by dentist with
extensive clinical experience
The 2015 Practice Guidelines created through cooperative effort of the AASM and AADSM suggest a
physician should seek collaboration with a qualified dentist, described as someone who has at least:
A. Board certification
B. Facility accreditation
C. Completion of a 1 yr residency in dental sleep medicine
D. Additional training or experience in dental sleep - ANSWER- medicineD. Additional
training or experience in dental sleep medicine
An understanding of loop gain is important to the clinical practice of dental sleep medicine because:
A. It excludes the possibility of cheyne stokes breathing in patients with severe OSA
B. It is the basis of the Mallampati classification system
C. It defines the number of sequential obstructive apneas in an epoch
D. It contributes to the multifactorial nature of sleep related breathing - ANSWER-
disordersD. It contributes to the multifactorial nature of sleep related breathing
disorders
With regards to biomechanical properties of the upper airway, which statement is true?
A. Sleep apnea patients paralyzed during general anesthesia (neural drive removed) demonstrated
airway compliance similar to healthy subjects
B. Sleep apnea patients had more negative closing pressures
C. Sleep apnea patients demonstrate a more positive Pcrit
D. There is no correlation between collapsibility when awake and collapsibility when asleep ANSWER-
C. Sleep apnea patients demonstrate a more positive Pcrit
Tagged MRI recently showed 3 patterns of tissue formation during mandibular advancement. Which of
these was NOT observed?
, A. The whole tongue moved forward "en bloc"
B. Only the superior posterior portion of the tongue moved forward
C. The posterior tongue did not move, but the whole tongue elongated
D. Only the inferior posterior portion of the tongue moved - ANSWER- forwardB. Only the
superior posterior portion of the tongue moved forward
In Van Heasendonck's 2015 systematic review of oral appliance health benefits, mean disease
alleviation was calculated using the following:
A. An embedded microsensor
B. A highly compliant patient population
C. Patient's diaries of hours of nightly device use
D. Patient's attestations to hours of nightly device - ANSWER- useA. An embedded microsensor
Caffeine promotes wakefulness by suppressing or blocking:
A. Thyroid stimulating hormone
B. Growth hormone
C. Orexin
- ANSWER- D. AdenosineD. Adenosine
A study design where one or more population samples are followed prospectively to determine which
participant's exposure characteristics (risk factors) are associated with a disease or outcome is called
a:
A. Randomized control trial
B. Non-randomized control trial
C. Cohort study
D. Case control - ANSWER- studyC. Cohort study
In an experiment where participants are randomly assigned, one group receives the drug or
procedure, a placebo group's treatment is disguised to resemble the drug or procedure being
investigated and a control group receives nothing. Members of each group are prevented from
knowing whether they are receiving active therapy. This would be called a:
A. Randomized control trial
B. Cohort study
C. Randomized case report
D. Blinded triple - ANSWER- trialA. Randomized control trial
The masseter muscle originates at:
A. The temporal fossa
B. The zygomatic arch
C. The mylohyoid ridge
D. The coronoid - ANSWER- processB. The zygomatic arch
In Sheats et. al., a morning occlusal guide is a common side effect management modality. Which of the
following is CORRECT?
A. A MOG encompasses many custom made appliances and pre-fabricated devices used in an
effort to reposition the mandible into its habitual pre-treatment position
B. A MOG has a very specific design as established by the AADSM consensus committee on side
effects
TESTBANK 2026
Which of the following statements is true regarding a modified mallampati classification of the oral
pharynx?
A. Mallampati II allows visualization of only the hard palate
B. Malampati III allows visualization of only the hard palate
C. Malampati classifications are taken with the patient sedated and reclined
D. Mallampati classifications of IV have greater odds ratio than Mallampati
- ANSWER- classifications of I for
severe OSAD. Mallampati classifications of IV have greater odds ratio than Mallampati
classifications of I for severe OSA
What 8 item questionnaire was developed to perioperatively screen for risk of OSA?
A. ESS
B. STOP-BANG
C. MSLT
- ANSWER- D. BerlinB. STOP-BANG
In the pathophysiology of sleep apnea, airway patency and stability is promoted by which factor?
A. Increased lung volume
B. Shorter mandible
C. Increased parapharyngeal fat deposition
D. Negative inspiratory pressure
E. Reduced pharyngeal muscle dilator - ANSWER- activityA. Increased lung volume
Oral appliance therapy commonly provides successful sole therapy for which of the following
sleeprelated breathing disorders?
A. Primary central sleep apnea
B. Cheyne-Stoke periodic breathing
C. Obesity hypoventilation
D. Overlap syndrome (OSA and COPD) E. None of the aboveE. None of the above
- ANSWER-
Which of the following is true about OSA and HTN?
A. Ambulatory BP is increased in OSA patients primarily due to increased salt intake associated with
elevated ghrelin levels
B. Ambulatory BP normally increases in the early AM before awakening - this increase is blunted in
OSA
C. Untreated OSA is associated with a similar risk of HTN at all severity levels
D. The risk of HTN in untreated OSA is due to intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic
overactivation, inflammation, and - ANSWER- other complex factorsD. The risk of HTN in
untreated OSA is due to intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic overactivation, inflammation, and other
complex factors
,Across a general population, what is the most common sleep disorder?
A. RLS
B. Narcolepsy
C. Delayed sleep phase syndrome
D. Insomnia
E. Obstructive sleep - ANSWER- apneaD. Insomnia
Measurement has shown that patients with sleep apnea have smaller upper airways than those
without sleep apnea but manage to keep an open airway during wakefulness by:
A. Mouth Breathing
B. Increased muscle tone on inspiration
C. Increased blood flow to the soft tissue
D. Frequent - ANSWER- bruxingB. Increased muscle tone on inspiration
Key features of sleep apnea as recorded during an in-lab sleep study include marked reduction or
absence of air flow, arousals from sleep, slowing of heart rate and:
A. Choking or gasping for air
B. Oxygen desaturation
C. Flattening of the nasal pressure signal
D. Flailing of the arms and legs
E. Sawtooth waves in the - ANSWER- EEGB. Oxygen Desaturation
Who publishes the CPT codebook?
A. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
B. The American Medical Association
C. The Office of the Inspector General
D. The Durable Medical Equipment Service
E. The American Academy of Sleep - ANSWER- MedicineB. The American Medical
Association
A 48 year old man is treated with OAT for his moderate OSA. On repeat sleep testing, his
apneahypopnea index (AHI) has decreased to 3 events per hour, and he reports resolution of snoring
and daytime sleepiness. What is the most reasonable dental-medical sleep medicine follow up
regimen for this patient?
A. As needed
B. Every 6 months for the first year, then annually
C. Monthly for the first 6 months, then every 6 months
D. Every other - ANSWER- yearB. Every 6 months for the first year, then annually
Which of the following would exclude oral appliance therapy as a first treatment trial for OSA?
A. Xerostomia
B. Edentulism
C. Micrognathia
D. Steep mandibular plane - ANSWER- angleB. Edentulism
Reviewing your patient's diagnostic polysomnogram, you note more than a 50% epoch consists of
alpha waves. According to the current PSG scoring guidelines, the patient is in which stage of sleep?
,A. Stage I NREM
B. Stage II NREM
C. Stage III NREM
D. Stage - ANSWER- REMA. Stage I NREM
A patient presents for an evaluation to determine their candidacy for an oral appliance to treat their
mild OSA. During your examination, you note the presence of TMD. This might include the following:
A. Pain in the TMJ
B. Pain in the muscles of mastication
C. Anomalies in mandibular movement
D. All of the - ANSWER- aboveD. All of the above
The qualified dentist designation (QDD) came about in response to the 2015 practice guidelines paper
recommending that physicians refer patients to dentists "qualified" to treat sleep related breathing
disorders. This was based upon recognition of which of the following?
A. Older dentists have more experience than younger dentists
B. All dentists have the skills they need to deliver knowledgeable care
C. Oral appliance efficacy data collected in studies is obtained by dentist with extensive clinical
experience
D. Training in dental schools on oral appliance therapy has become common - ANSWER- placeC.
Oral appliance efficacy data collected in studies is obtained by dentist with
extensive clinical experience
The 2015 Practice Guidelines created through cooperative effort of the AASM and AADSM suggest a
physician should seek collaboration with a qualified dentist, described as someone who has at least:
A. Board certification
B. Facility accreditation
C. Completion of a 1 yr residency in dental sleep medicine
D. Additional training or experience in dental sleep - ANSWER- medicineD. Additional
training or experience in dental sleep medicine
An understanding of loop gain is important to the clinical practice of dental sleep medicine because:
A. It excludes the possibility of cheyne stokes breathing in patients with severe OSA
B. It is the basis of the Mallampati classification system
C. It defines the number of sequential obstructive apneas in an epoch
D. It contributes to the multifactorial nature of sleep related breathing - ANSWER-
disordersD. It contributes to the multifactorial nature of sleep related breathing
disorders
With regards to biomechanical properties of the upper airway, which statement is true?
A. Sleep apnea patients paralyzed during general anesthesia (neural drive removed) demonstrated
airway compliance similar to healthy subjects
B. Sleep apnea patients had more negative closing pressures
C. Sleep apnea patients demonstrate a more positive Pcrit
D. There is no correlation between collapsibility when awake and collapsibility when asleep ANSWER-
C. Sleep apnea patients demonstrate a more positive Pcrit
Tagged MRI recently showed 3 patterns of tissue formation during mandibular advancement. Which of
these was NOT observed?
, A. The whole tongue moved forward "en bloc"
B. Only the superior posterior portion of the tongue moved forward
C. The posterior tongue did not move, but the whole tongue elongated
D. Only the inferior posterior portion of the tongue moved - ANSWER- forwardB. Only the
superior posterior portion of the tongue moved forward
In Van Heasendonck's 2015 systematic review of oral appliance health benefits, mean disease
alleviation was calculated using the following:
A. An embedded microsensor
B. A highly compliant patient population
C. Patient's diaries of hours of nightly device use
D. Patient's attestations to hours of nightly device - ANSWER- useA. An embedded microsensor
Caffeine promotes wakefulness by suppressing or blocking:
A. Thyroid stimulating hormone
B. Growth hormone
C. Orexin
- ANSWER- D. AdenosineD. Adenosine
A study design where one or more population samples are followed prospectively to determine which
participant's exposure characteristics (risk factors) are associated with a disease or outcome is called
a:
A. Randomized control trial
B. Non-randomized control trial
C. Cohort study
D. Case control - ANSWER- studyC. Cohort study
In an experiment where participants are randomly assigned, one group receives the drug or
procedure, a placebo group's treatment is disguised to resemble the drug or procedure being
investigated and a control group receives nothing. Members of each group are prevented from
knowing whether they are receiving active therapy. This would be called a:
A. Randomized control trial
B. Cohort study
C. Randomized case report
D. Blinded triple - ANSWER- trialA. Randomized control trial
The masseter muscle originates at:
A. The temporal fossa
B. The zygomatic arch
C. The mylohyoid ridge
D. The coronoid - ANSWER- processB. The zygomatic arch
In Sheats et. al., a morning occlusal guide is a common side effect management modality. Which of the
following is CORRECT?
A. A MOG encompasses many custom made appliances and pre-fabricated devices used in an
effort to reposition the mandible into its habitual pre-treatment position
B. A MOG has a very specific design as established by the AADSM consensus committee on side
effects
