What is the DAT Test? 2026 June
Prepare for the What is the DAT certification. Practice questions with answer explanations covering all exam domains. 🎓
DAT Test Format and Structure
| Sections | Allotted Time | No. of Questions | Subsections |
| Optional Tutorial | 15 | — | — |
| Survey of Natural Sciences | 90 | 100 |
|
| Perceptual Ability Test | 60 | 90 |
|
| Scheduled Break (optional) | 30 | — | — |
| Reading Comprehension Test | 60 | 50 | — |
| Quantitative Reasoning Test | 45 | 40 |
|
| Optional Post Test Survey | 15 | — | — |
| Total | 5 hours and 15 minutes | 280 | — |
DAT Cost and Fees
- Examination Fees
| Type | Description | Amount |
| DAT Fee | Includes administration and official score reporting to all dental institutions chosen at the time of application; an official score report released at the testing center (no other report will be sent); and a score report to the pre-dental counselor of the applicant (if chosen on application). | $475 |
| Score Report Fee (optional) | Covers score report requests made after the time of application. There's no extra charge for requests for score reports obtained at the time of application. | $45 per recipient |
| Score Audit Fee (optional) | For a duration of 30 days following a test appointment, the DAT Program can check the results of the DAT applicant. | $65 |
| Eligibility Extension Fee | Candidates can prolong their eligibility span for a fee. The extension is for a total of 45 days within the specified test window and is valid once for every application. | $125 |
- Rescheduling Fees
| Number of Days Before Testing Appointment | Fee |
| 1 to 5 business days before the test date, and at least 24 hours before the start of the appointment. | $125 |
| 6 to 30 business days before the test date. | $125 |
| 31 or more business days before the test date. | $125 |
DAT Registration
- To submit an application to take the DAT, visit the ADA website (A non-refundable fee is involved).
- Applicants must secure a Dental Personal Identification Number (DENTPIN) before applying for the DAT or applying for admission to the schools of their preference. Sign up for a new DENTPIN or obtain an existing DENTPIN from ADA.org/DENTPIN.
- Once a DENTPIN has been obtained, applicants can submit an application via the Examination Program website. A new application must be filed before another test attempt is made.
- Receive the letter of eligibility from the ADA.
- After you have received the letter of eligibility, you may make an appointment to take the Prometric Evaluation evaluation. You must schedule the test 60-90 days ahead of time of the day you want to test it.
- When you require special testing facilities, please visit the Special Accommodations tab of the Prometric website.
DAT Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants are required to obtain a total of one year of college education. This includes classes in general and organic chemistry and biology.
- The DAT program does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, gender, impairment, sexual preference, or marital status.
- All DAT candidates are required to appear in the examination prior to admission to the dental school.
- Anyone seeking admission to Canadian dental schools must check the acceptability of the DAT score by the authority involved before applying for DAT.
- Copy of the duly completed and submitted ADEA AADSAS application
- Rejection letter from a dental school
- Letter on school letterhead from the Dental School Admission Officer
- Letter on school letterhead from health profession advisor or instructor of a college or university
Frequently Asked Question
- When you've decided when to take the DAT, submit your application 60 to 90 days ahead of time.
- Read the guide to the DAT. Check out the latest DAT Program Guide to get a good grasp of the exam.
- Make use of the DAT practice tests offered in the DAT program.
DAT Test Prep and Test-Taking Strategies
- Stop
- Think
- Predict
- Match
DAT Sample Questions
- all living things are composed of cells.
- all living things contain mitochondria.
- cooperation among cells allows for complex functioning in living things.
- all cells arise from preexisting cells.
- cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA.
- Pyrimidines have a two-ring nitrogenous base.
- Purines have a two-ring nitrogenous base.
- Purines always bind to pyrimidines when a DNA helix is formed.
- Purines and pyrimidines make up the “rungs” of the DNA ladder.
- Purines and pyrimidines bind together using hydrogen bonds.
In glucose catabolism
- oxygen must be the final electron acceptor.
- oxygen is necessary for any ATP synthesis.
- inorganic phosphate is produced.
- ATP is generated.
- all of the above occur.
- Erlenmeyer flask
- Erlenmeyer flask with a hose barb
- Volumetric flask
- Round-bottom flask
- Either A or B
- Weigh 27.0 g of Al (s) on a standard laboratory balance.
- Weigh 27.00 g of Al (s) on an analytical balance.
- Weigh 50.0 g of Al (s) on a standard laboratory balance.
- Weigh 50.00 g of Al (s) on an analytical balance.
- Add the Al (s) by adding double the amount of NaCl by eye.
- 1-ethyl-3,4-dimethylcycloheptane
- 2-ethyl-4,5-dimethylcyclohexane
- 1-ethyl-3,4-dimethylcyclohexane
- 4-ethyl-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane
- 4-ethyl-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane
- (R)-2-butanol
- (S)-2-butanol
- A solution containing 1 M (R)-2-butanol and 2 M (S)-2-butanol
- A solution containing 2 M (R)-2-butanol and 2 M (S)-2-butanol
- A solution containing 3 M (R)-2-butanol and 3 M (S)-2-methanol
- the trigeminal nerve.
- the otic ganglion.
- the cervical sympathetic chain.
- the inferior alveolar nerve.
- the superior alveolar nerves.
- 270
- 360
- 480
- 600
- 720
- 5 cubes
- 6 cubes
- 7 cubes
- 8 cubes
- 9 cubes
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
DAT Study Tips
What's the best study strategy for DAT?
Focus on weak areas first. Use practice tests to identify gaps, then study those topics intensively.
How far in advance should I start studying?
Most successful candidates begin 4-8 weeks before the exam. Create a structured study schedule.
Should I retake practice tests?
Yes! Take each practice test 2-3 times. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing.
What should I do on exam day?
Arrive 30 min early, bring required ID, read questions carefully, flag difficult ones, and review before submitting.
DAT Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the DAT - Dental Admission Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
DAT - Dental Admission Biology: Genetics a...
DAT Exam Questions covering DAT - Dental Admission Biology: Genetics and Heredity. Master DAT Test concepts for certification prep.
DAT - Dental Admission General Chemistry: ...
Free DAT Practice Test featuring DAT - Dental Admission General Chemistry: Acid-Base Chemistry. Improve your DAT Exam score with mock test prep.
DAT - Dental Admission Organic Chemistry: ...
DAT Mock Exam on DAT - Dental Admission Organic Chemistry: Functional Groups. DAT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
DAT - Dental Admission Biology: Cellular M...
DAT Test Prep for - Dental Admission Biology: Cellular Metabolism. Practice DAT Quiz questions and boost your score.
DAT - Dental Admission General Chemistry: ...
DAT Questions and Answers on - Dental Admission General Chemistry: Stoichiometry. Free DAT practice for exam readiness.
DAT - Dental Admission Organic Chemistry: ...
DAT Mock Test covering - Dental Admission Organic Chemistry: Stereochemistry. Online DAT Test practice with instant feedback.
DAT - Dental Admission Perceptual Ability:...
Free DAT Quiz on - Dental Admission Perceptual Ability: Angle Ranking. DAT Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
DAT - Dental Admission Perceptual Ability:...
DAT Practice Questions for - Dental Admission Perceptual Ability: Pattern Folding. Build confidence for your DAT certification exam.
DAT - Dental Admission Quantitative Reason...
DAT Test Online for - Dental Admission Quantitative Reasoning: Probability. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
DAT - Dental Admission Reading Comprehensi...
DAT Study Material on - Dental Admission Reading Comprehension: Scientific Passages. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
DAT Practice Test (Perceptual Ability)
Free DAT Test covering Practice Test (Perceptual Ability). Practice and track your DAT exam readiness.
DAT Practice Test (Quantitative Reasoning)
DAT Exam Questions covering Practice Test (Quantitative Reasoning). Master DAT Test concepts for certification prep.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
DAT Questions and Answers
About the Author
Board-Certified Physician & Medical Licensing Exam Expert
Harvard Medical SchoolDr. Michael Reynolds is a board-certified internist and Fellow of the American College of Physicians with an MD from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Science in Medical Education. With 18 years of clinical and academic medicine experience, he specializes in USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 preparation, internal medicine board certification, and medical specialty licensing examinations.