Saudi Prometric Orthodontic Exam: Content Outline and Preparation Guide

Exam Overview for Orthodontic Licensure in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Prometric Orthodontic Exam is a comprehensive, computer-based assessment required for specialist registration with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). It evaluates knowledge across five domains.

Exam Blueprint (Approximate Weighting)

1. Basic Sciences (15–20%): Craniofacial growth, genetics, physiology, biomechanics foundations.
2. Diagnosis & Treatment Planning (25–30%): Malocclusion classification, cephalometrics, case analysis, interdisciplinary planning.
3. Orthodontic Biomechanics (20–25%): Force systems, appliance design, friction control, anchorage, TADs.
4. Clinical Orthodontics (20–25%): Phase I/II treatment, surgical orthodontics, TMD, cleft/craniofacial, adult/geriatric care.
5. Research & Evidence-Based Practice (5–10%): Study design, statistics, critical appraisal, clinical guidelines.

Preparation Strategy

• Primary Resources: Proffit & Fields Contemporary Orthodontics; Graber Orthodontics: Current Principles; SCFHS recommended texts.
• Question Banks: Prometric-style MCQs (e.g., OrthoPrep, BoardVitals, past papers).
• Study Schedule: 4–6 months, 15–20 hrs/week. Rotate domains; weekly mock exams.
• Focus Areas: Cephalometric norms, biomechanics calculations, retention protocols, complication management.

Exam Day Tips

• Arrive early; bring required IDs (Iqama, SCFHS eligibility).
• Read stems carefully; flag difficult items; no penalty for guessing.
• Manage time: ~1 min/question.
• Review flagged items if time permits.

Passing standard is criterion-referenced. Thorough, systematic preparation is the strongest predictor of success.