DAT Test Format and Structure

DAT Cost and Fees

• Examination Fees

• Rescheduling Fees

DAT Registration

1. To submit an application to take the DAT, visit the ADA website (A non-refundable fee is involved).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Receive the letter of eligibility from the ADA.
5. 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.
6. 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

1. When you've decided when to take the DAT, submit your application 60 to 90 days ahead of time.
2. Read the guide to the DAT. Check out the latest DAT Program Guide to get a good grasp of the exam.
3. 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

Sample DAT Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free DAT practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. A compound is found to contain 40.0% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen, and 53.3% oxygen by mass. If the molar mass of the compound is approximately 180 g/mol, what is its molecular formula?

   • A. C2H4O2
   • B. CH2O
   • C. C6H12O6
   • D. C3H6O3

   Answer: C. C6H12O6

   First, assume a 100g sample, which gives 40.0g C, 6.7g H, and 53.3g O. Convert these masses to moles: C (40.0g / 12.01 g/mol ≈ 3.33 mol), H (6.7g / 1.01 g/mol ≈ 6.63 mol), O (53.3g / 16.00 g/mol ≈ 3.33 mol). Divide by the smallest number of moles (3.33) to get the empirical formula CH2O. The molar mass of the empirical formula (CH2O) is about 30 g/mol. To find the molecular formula, divide the given molar mass by the empirical formula mass (180 g/mol / 30 g/mol = 6). Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by this factor (6) to get C6H12O6.

2. What is the correct IUPAC name for CH₃CH₂CHO?

   • A. Propanal
   • B. Propanone
   • C. Propanoic acid
   • D. Propan-1-ol

   Answer: A. Propanal

   CH₃CH₂CHO has three carbons with a terminal aldehyde group, giving it the IUPAC name propanal.

3. How many distinct subtests make up the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) on the DAT?

   • A. 4
   • B. 5
   • C. 6
   • D. 8

   Answer: C. 6

   The PAT contains six subtests: Apertures, View Recognition, Angle Ranking, Paper Folding, Cube Counting, and 3D Form Development.

4. When a question asks what a word means 'as used in the passage,' you should:

   • A. Use the surrounding context to determine the intended meaning
   • B. Always choose the most common dictionary definition
   • C. Pick the most scientific-sounding option
   • D. Select the longest answer choice

   Answer: A. Use the surrounding context to determine the intended meaning

   Context determines the intended meaning, which may differ from the common definition.

Take the full DAT practice test