Search 33,000+ CME courses
Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Airway Management
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Observer Variation
  • Patient Compliance

Mallampati Score

Accurate prediction and preparation for a difficult airway are essential to avoid adverse and potentially fatal outcomes. Airway management requires both detailed anatomic understanding and systematic evaluation. Several predictive assessment schemes have been developed to anticipate challenges in mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation. Among these clinical tools, the Mallampati score, introduced in the 1980s, is one of the most widely used. The Mallampati scoring system classifies the visibility of oropharyngeal structures when a patient opens the mouth and protrudes the tongue. Higher Mallampati classes are associated with greater intubation difficulty. This stratification method is commonly applied during preoperative airway assessment, especially in anesthesiology and emergency medicine. However, the predictive accuracy of this evaluation tool is limited by factors such as interobserver variability, patient cooperation, and lack of sensitivity when used alone. Consequently, the Mallampati score should be used in conjunction with other airway assessment methods to improve clinical reliability. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ competence in evaluating airway anatomy using the Mallampati scoring system and applying the classification scheme correctly. Participants will deepen their understanding of this assessment tool’s indications, contraindications, and proper technique. Improved skills will enable clinicians to collaborate within interprofessional teams caring for individuals requiring airway management.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditNursingUp to 1 creditPharmacyUp to 1 credit

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1 pointABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1 pointABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 point

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 6 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1 credit
  • MOC · Up to 1 point
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

Related courses

See all

Other providers’ courses on the same topic

More from StatPearls, LLC

See all

This provider’s courses closest to this one