The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic response of the mandible to impact and provide insight into the fracture mechanism of the mandible, by 3-dimensional finite element method. The finite element model of the mandible was developed and calculated using NASTRAN/XL (MSC co. U.S.A.) and the linear dynamic transient analysis was performed according to the impulsive force direction, force type and impulse time to the mandible. At first, the load was applied on the mandibular symphysis, body, angle and subcondylar area in the horizontal mandibular plane and the computed stress-time histories at 14 locations of the mandible were obtained. Secondly, the impulsive force was directed to the symphyseal area with changing the force magnitude and impulse time, and calculated the node displacement at 8 locations of mandible. The conclusions from from this study were as follows. 1. The appearance of impulsive energy transmission was different to the direction of impulse to the mandible. 2. The impulsive stress and deformation were larger in lingual or medial side than buccal or lateral in the mandible. 3. The velocity, appearance of energy transmission and the fracture pattern in mandible were affected rather impulse time than force. 4. The horizontal impact to the one side of mandible did not have effect on the stress and displacement of contralateral mandible. From the above results, fracture pattern in symphysis can be showed as simple or comminuted, multiple or associated in body and angle and solitary in subcondyle area.