DAT Test Practice
Dental Aptitude Test 2023
What is DAT Test?
The Dental Aptitude Test (abbreviated DAT) is a standardized multiple-choice exam taken by prospective dental students in the United States and Canada (although there is a separate Canadian version with different sections, both American and Canadian versions are usually interchangeably accepted in both countries’ dental schools). The American DAT will be described in detail in this page). The DAT is a computer-based exam that may be taken nearly any day of the year. After completing the preliminary application through the American Dental Association, tests are administered in Prometric testing facilities located throughout the United States. Each candidate may only take the examination three times before requesting special permission to retake it. After passing the test, you must wait 90 days before taking it again. Each exam costs $475 and is non-refundable.
Take the Dental Admission Test Prep Online!
DAT Test Format and Structure
The DAT comprises of 280 multiple-choice questions in four DAT sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. The DAT is a computer-based test (CBT) lasting roughly five hours and 15 minutes, which includes an optional 15-minute break.
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 Test Scoring System
DAT scores are documented to be scale scores. Such scale scores are neither raw scores nor percentages. The conversion of raw scores to scale scores is obtained using psychometric equations. Through scale scores, it is easy to compare the results of one applicant with the performance of all applicants. The DAT score range from 1 to 30.
Several test questions are exploratory and are unscored. The data obtained on the unscored items will be used to assess whether the problem is suitable to be used in future test implementation. Unscored questions appear the same to the applicants as the questions rated.
Eight ratings will appear when you receive your official score report: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, Total Science, and Academic Average. The Total Science Score is the amount of your primary, raw performance in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, which are then averaged and converted into a scale of 1–30 score, regardless of your individual scores in these areas.
To elaborate, Total Science is not the average of your weighted ratings in the Natural Sciences Survey. The Academic Sum is the average rating for all categories except PAT. The score report will also tell you about your percentile ranking in each segment. The percentile ranking represents the number of test participants scored around or below your level.
DAT Cost and Fees
Examination Fees
Payments shall be non-refundable and non-transferable. All of the payments are in US dollars. The following demonstrates the DAT testing fee:
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
The fee for the rescheduling of a test date shall be based on the amount of the notice issued. The rate for rescheduling is as follows:
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 |
Note: Saturdays and Sundays are not business days.
DAT Registration
The following are the detailed steps to register for DAT Test:
- To submit an application to take the DAT, visit the ADA website (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
Below are the minimum eligibility requirements aspiring dental school students should meet to be qualified to take the DAT Dental Admission Test:
- 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.
For candidates who wish to take the DAT test again, they need to submit a new application and pay testing for every retest. They will have to wait for at least 90 days after their last attempt to take the exam again. It is important to note that there are no exemptions to the 90-day waiting time.
In the case that you have appeared in DAT three or more occasions, you must seek permission from ADA for the retest. In this context, you shall send a request in writing to [email protected] along with one of the following documents:
- 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
Dental Hygiene Program Application Process
Two individual applications are required for Dental Hygiene Application:
- The American Dental Association’s Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service is used to submit the Primary DHCAS Application. The primary application and instructions may be found on the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) website at http://www.adea.org/DHCASapp/applicants/
- Applicants must additionally complete an OUHSC Supplemental Application and submit it to The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC). The application is available at admissions.ouhsc.edu. When applying to OUHSC, candidates must apply to each of the following locations: Ardmore, Bartlesville, Oklahoma City, and/or Weatherford. The application procedure does not determine site order choice.
Best DAT Study Material & DAT Prep Courses
The DAT is one of the most difficult and high-stakes examinations you will ever take, and your score on it might make or break your dental school application. As a result, choosing the best prep course or best way to study for DAT becomes a critical and challenging option. You can make an informed decision and DAT study materials on which is best for DAT test preparation or DAT practice exam by visiting this page.
- DAT Princeton Review: This organization is one of the best alternatives for preparing for competitive exams like as the DAT and SAT, among others. Learn from professionals who will show you the methods and strategies that can propel you to the top percentile. The system will offer you with relevant tasks to focus on your weak areas using tailored practice exercises. By the end of the courses, you will be confident in approaching and succeeding in the examination.
- DAT Kaplan: Kaplan Dental Prep offers a wide range of class options, including in-person, live online, tutoring, limitless prep, self-paced, and more. Get everything you need to prepare for the DAT, from a science review to a strategy and a plethora of practice materials. Furthermore, Kaplan DAT preparation books give the test-taking methods, practical practice, and professional advice you need to improve your DAT score.
- DAT Course Server: This website is one of the best options for DAT review courses To assess your degree of readiness, watch the videos, take notes, and complete the tests. All topics are handled from the ground up, allowing you to fully grasp the principles.
- DAT Bootcamp: This Bootcamp is intended to provide the resources required to prepare for the DAT classes and examination at a low cost. All areas of the test are addressed, and any concerns are cleared up, so you have a comprehensive knowledge of the kind of questions that may be given in the exam. Make the most of the resources available to you to get the most out of your learning experience.
Tips on how to study for DAT
- Allow at least three to four months to dental test prep. Many publications suggest 200–250 hours. Plan on spending three hours each day, five days a week, for three months.
- Find a DAT study guide partner who can keep you motivated and on track to take DAT exam prep.
- Take two or three real-time simulated practice tests—this is the most realistic method to recreate the situations you’ll face on test day.
- Spending too much effort memorizing little information is not a good idea. The DAT assesses critical thinking and application rather than factual recall. Concentrate on essential topics.
- More time should be spent reading DAT study books or DAT practice book than practicing. Consider developing a new reading habit or working with a speed reading coach if you don’t spend much time reading for enjoyment.
- Establish a schedule and continue to sleep and eat healthily.
Dental Schools To Apply To
- University of Mississipi Medical Center School Of Dentistry: The acceptance rate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry, which is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), is 39.2 percent. Students here study dentistry for four years. Multiple semesters of English, chemistry, physics, biology/zoology, advanced biology/chemistry, math, and statistics are required for entrance.
- LSU Health Sciences Center: The New Orleans-based university offers a contemporary and active School of Dentistry infrastructure. This institution provides more dental courses than normal, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, which may lead to a salary of $242,370, making it one of the highest-paying occupations.
- Ohio State University College of Dentistry: It is one among the finest in terms of providing hands-on experience, with clinical training programs and a variety of community service opportunities. A PhD in dentistry from Ohio State University qualifies you for primary care and dental specialities. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has granted the school accreditation.
- University of Missouri: In the UMKC Health Sciences District, the School of Dentistry at this Kansas City institution runs a student dental clinic as well as a community clinic. The average DAT Academic Average for the Doctor of Dental Surgery program is 19.8, while the average science and math GPA is 3.73. As a result, even if this institution has a greater acceptance rate for applications, you will still need to meet these rigorous requirements.
- Augusta University: The University accepts 90% of candidates from Georgia, with the remaining 10% coming from other states (or countries). A Dental Admission Test score of at least 20 will increase your chances of acceptance. A GPA of 3.6 or higher is also advantageous.
Dental Hygienist GPA Requirements
There are just a few spots available in the Dental Hygiene Program. A strong GPA is required for admission to the program. Students who have declared dental hygiene as their major are only allowed to attend the clinical portion of the dental hygiene program if their overall GPA (Grade Point Average) is above a certain threshold and they have completed specified general education prerequisites. To be considered for the program, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above in the sciences.
DAT Study Guide PDF
DAT is a standardized test developed by the American Dental Association (ADA) to assess dental school applicants’ basic academic skills and perceptual ability. The DAT’s Quantitative Reasoning part assesses applicants’ arithmetic abilities, essential in dentistry schools. If you’re looking for review materials for the quantitative reasoning portion, such as a dental admission test PDF or dental admission test sample PDF, you’ve come to the right place. We recommend that you take the DAT Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test, which is similar to the DAT Quantitative Reasoning Math test.
The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) is the second portion of the DAT and one of the most difficult for many pupils. As a dentist, you’ll need to generate mental representations of teeth from X-rays, deal with casts and fillings, and work with other intricate 2D and 3D items; thus, Perceptual Ability skills will come in handy. If you want to review the PAT portion, you can use the DAT perceptual ability practice PDF and DAT test PDF. We propose taking the DAT Perceptual Ability Practice Test to brush up on your skills.
Three passages totaling approximately 14 paragraphs make up the reading comprehension section. Each passage’s questions assess your ability to read, grasp, and analyze basic material in a scientific context. If you’re studying for the reading comprehension section, look up the 2022 DAT practice test PDF and DAT practice test PDF on the internet. To assess your ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a scientific text, we recommend taking the DAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test.
The section Survey of Natural Sciences is the longest and most comprehensive portion. The Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry subtests make up the Survey of Natural Sciences portion, consisting of 100 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. If you’re studying for the survey of natural science section and looking for organic chemistry PDF dental admission test DAT, or DAT chemistry notes PDF, you’ve come to the right place. To find out your stand on the exam, we recommend taking the DAT Survey of Natural Sciences Practice Test.
DAT Questions and Answers
The DAT can last up to 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Most dental schools accept students with DAT scores ranging from 19 to 20. This is the average DAT score.
DAT stands for Dental Aptitude Test.
Applicants are permitted to retake the DAT exam up to three times.
Take a few diagnostic tests to determine your strong basis. Make flashcards from videos or biology books that you read throughout your study time and use them to review often. Schedule the test during the time of day when you believe you will be the most productive.
DAT, like any other standardized exam, is difficult and time-consuming to prepare for. The level of difficulty is determined by your scientific knowledge as well as how your English language comprehension may affect your ability to pass the test.
Once you’ve finished all of the pre-DAT recommended pre-requisite courses and feel ready, you can take the DAT.
The DAT can last up to 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a tutorial at the beginning, break, and a survey.
The DAT is currently available year-round at roughly 500 Prometric test sites by appointment.
The DAT is graded on a scale of 1 to 30. Your raw score is determined by the number of multiple-choice questions you accurately answer in each section of the test.
The current DAT fee is $415, which is not refundable or transferable.
You’ll need a DENTPIN first. When applying for the DAT, the DENTPIN is a standardized personal identity used by the agencies responsible for the accreditation of dental school candidates. Visit ada.org/dentpin to get or recover a DENTPIN. Once you’ve received your DENTPIN, use it to access your MyAccount and finish your DAT application. When you submit your application, your credit or debit card will be charged. Before you schedule your exam, double-check your eligibility.
For most schools, scores are only valid for two years from the AADSAS application’s start date.
No. There are no calculators allowed in any of the sections.
The DAT is made up of multiple-choice questions that are delivered in English. Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning are the four sections.
Yes. Bootcamp is often more challenging than the real exam, but it helps in the preparation of difficult questions that may appear on the DAT.
The MCAT is considered to be more challenging than the DAT by the majority of test takers. The MCAT is a test that focuses on long passages and science topics like physics.
The DAT is used to assess applicants’ capability for success in dental school programs.
DAT Bootcamp, Kaplan DAT, Princeton Review DAT, DAT Cracker, DATBooster, and Gold Standard are the top DAT test review courses. You can determine which DAT course is most beneficial for you.
Allow yourself three to four months to prepare for the DAT. Learn about all of the resources available and choose the ones that best suit your needs and learning style. Take two or three practice exams to get a feel for the test. Spend additional time on subjects that are challenging for you. Establish a routine and make sure you sleep and eat properly.
Prometric, Inc. administers the DAT at Prometric Test Centers. If your application is accepted, you will get an e-mail or letter with instructions to go to www.prometric.com or contact the Prometric Contact Center at 800.688. 5804 to make an appointment for a test.
DAT Bootcamp is a great revision tool that will help you ace the DAT.
The DAT scores might take up to 8 weeks to process and make accessible to dental schools after the testing date.
Go to the ADA website and fill out an application. Once you’ve received your eligibility letter, you may make an appointment with Prometric testing to take the test.
Please notify the Department of Testing Services by emailing [email protected] or calling 800.232.1694, if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment due to an emergency.
Two kinds of identification are needed, one government-issued with a photograph and signature and the other with a signature. You should also pack a lunch and some snacks to keep you energized.
The raw scores from each area of the DAT are converted to standard scores. On a scale of 30 points, each DAT sub-section is graded individually. Your raw science scores are added together to get your Total Science Score (TS), and everything except the perceptual ability section is added together to form your Academic Average (the most important score).
Allow yourself three to four months to prepare for the DAT.
Study three hours every day to prepare for the DAT.
You must contact Prometric directly if you need to change your test date.
Every week, read scientific articles. Understand the main message by highlighting essential concepts or keywords. You might also want to make some quick notes regarding each paragraph that you might return to later while answering the questions.
Yes but majority of dental schools will not consider your application complete until they get your DAT scores.
You should retake the DAT if you receive a score of 17 or lower.
You are only allowed to take the test three times unless the ADA grants you special permission.
No. Despite the fact that physics is a prerequisite for dental students prior matriculation, it is not tested on the Dental Admissions Test.
No. However, during the DAT’s Quantitative Reasoning Test part, a basic calculator will appear as a pop-up image on the screen.
Memberships in DAT Bootcamp Pro are valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.
The English and French language exams take between 3 and 2 hours to complete, respectively.
The PAT is made up of 90 questions that must be answered in 60 minutes.
The DAT Bootcamp costs roughly $497, whereas the Bootcamp PLUS costs $897.
The DAT exam may only be taken once every 90 days.
Make studying a part of your everyday routine. In a separate notepad or text document, take notes everything you’ve searched up. Not only to remember words, but to comprehend them. Understand that completing 40 practice questions every day is sufficient.
Make a PAT study approach. Consider the diagnostic exam, an opportunity to get a feel for the PAT section and plan your study time accordingly. Every day, increase the number of practice problems you do and improve your techniques.
Fill up your schedule with study blocks, with a minimum of three hours of study time each day, six days per week. Allow yourself one day off every week to recharge. You can only change your DAT study plan if you know where you need to focus more effort. Choose the appropriate study materials.
Make effective choices about your resources. Keep track of your time and schedule. Keep in mind to take pauses while you’re practicing. Find a DAT study partner who can keep you on track and motivated. Take a few DAT practice exams to help you prepare for the exam.
Yes. Most dental programs accept applicants with scores of 19 or above.
The DAT does not have an anatomy section.
If you combine the videos with additional study resources, they are quite sufficient. To get the most out of those videos, study the materials beforehand, then watch to improve retention.
The first exam in each subject is given to all DAT Bootcamp members for free.
DAT Bootcamp is a great resource for studying for the DAT. The extensive explanations that accompany with the answers are preferred by most students, and the cost is reasonable.
Yes. The DAT is made up of multiple-choice questions that are given in English.
In most cases, the average DAT score is higher than 19.
On the DAT, a 30 is the highest possible score.
The DAT’s Quantitative Reasoning section is utilized to identify arithmetic abilities that will be necessary in dentistry school.
Official DAT scores are required by all dental schools in the United States.
