ABO test taking tips

[Chad Carter (Course Director)]

Joti,

Yes, I have used 4mm for Upper Lip to E-Line. I believe that originally came from Ricketts. (I have seen 3-5mm as a range. I think 6mm from E-Line would look a bit retrusive depending on the projection of the nasal tip. Since I treat many adults I really like S-line because it compensates better for larger noses)

Tooth to Lip is the amount of incisor display at rest. You can see it on a Ceph and the normal range is 2-4mm. Or I have my patients say “Emma” and have their mouth slightly open and see it at rest as well.

I have the ABO ceph values that I use posted on the study sheet in the General discussion section. Let me know if you don’t see them.

“So if I understand this tip correctly, you start your treatment plan based on upper incisor position and follow the list you gave and then go to lower incisor?” – Correct, it’s a helpful way to plan and is especially useful when working extensively with surgeons – they plan the same way.

[Joti Kaler]

A general test question.

I usually write down all my thoughts and then type them. Say we get two sheets, we would fill them with the memorization sheet and there wouldn’t be much room to write. Is it a bad idea to write everything down first and then type it?

[Michael Sanders]

Hi Joti,

I have been struggling with the same thing. I have noticed that when doing the practice cases, I miss things if I simply type into the answer field. If I make a grid on my paper with the 3 dimensions and work through them I am more thorough. I originally was writing things down and then transcribing them into the computer for the practice questions, just like you describe.

I am working through cases without the paper because I feel it was costing me too much time. For me, the answer is that I will lose too much time double-writing everything come test day, so I need a mental framework to work through to be reflexively thorough.

I think if you can keep your mind organized I would avoid writing out your answer and then typing. But if you can’t keep the systematic framework for answering the questions in your mind, then it might be better to have it written first in order to boost your correct answers, but you will have to be super time efficient.

[Chad Carter (Course Director)]

Michael and Joti, what a great discussion!

1) I understand feeling wandering in the cases. That is why I created the study sheet posted in “Board Study Tips” under the general discussion. So when I read the question “What is the skeletal diagnosis?” then I just run through my checklist in that row/column and move on.

2) Since this test is about time management, I do NOT recommend doing a full work up for each case – there just is not time. Look at the materials for sure. But just focus on the question and domain at hand.

3) One other time saving tip – you know how each question says respond in numbered format? Well on the very first question type out

1)

2)

3)

4) …. all the way down to 10 or 12. Then highlight it and use Ctrl-C to copy it and as you get to each question use Ctrl-V to paste it when you start working on a new question – Just another thought to save time typing out numbers.

[Joti Kaler]

Okay so we are saying no writing it out. T_T I will try- Thank you both!!!

[Chad Carter (Course Director)]

Good discussion folks! A few days to hone this in. You have all got it. Keep up the good work.