DENTAL ADMISSION TEST (DAT)

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DAT STUDYING RESOURSES

1. DAT Destroyer - http://www.orgoman.com/datdestroyer.html
2. DAT Bootcamp - http://datbootcamp.com 
3. Chad's Videos - http://www.coursesaver.com/videos/DAT/
4. Feralis Notes - http://datbootcamp.com/feralis-biology-notes/
5. Cliff Notes - https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/eYi7l6kHHrjBXFgOFMJn0hkd2hhDo6esBwXuv0a4mGhV3usT.pdf
6. Kaplan Courses (On demand, On site, Classroom anywhere, Private tutoring) - http://www.kaptest.com/dat​

*SDN (Breakdowns of students who've taken the DAT) - http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/ultimate-breakdown-collection.992975/
*Helpful to tool to improve your Perceptual Ability - http://woodgears.ca/eyeball/

DAT GUIDE

Updated March 2025

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​Steps to Take the DAT

​Applying to take the DAT
First you need to register through the Department of Testing Services at the ADA. 
You will fill out the application and obtain a DENTPIN (DENTal Personal Indetifier Number). You must obtain the DENTPIN for the dental school application, exam, and to receive test scores. 
You will request the test scores to be sent to your schools before the exam during the DAT application.
ADA Website Here

Financial $
As of 2025 the cost is $560 per attempt.
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The cost includes the exam and the scores sent to as many schools that you applied to. (dental school application is a different cost)
​If you have financial struggles, the ADA has fee waivers on a first- come, first served basis. It will cover at least 50% of the cost. To apply: Fee Waiver
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DAT Available Dates
The DAT exam dates are year round. Please make sure to find locations near where you live and check dates you wish to take it. Give yourself time to study and learn all the materials that are covered in the exam. 
Dental Schools recommend taking it only once as it does test your ability and skills to get into their school. A second time is okay but please consider your money situation because you will have to pay the $560 again! How Do I...

Rescheduling
You can reschedule, but there is a fee.

• 1 - 4 business days before test date: $150
• 5 - 29 business days before test date: $70
• 30+ business days before test date: $40

Day of the Exam
Please bring current identification to the exam at check-in (license or passport).
You then will be given a locker or area to put away any items that you have.
You will also have your fingertip scanned to have in their data for identification.
More info: here
Video

The DAT Environment
The exam is taken on a computer in a room/classroom. There will be other students taking the exam in the same room. You will be given note-boards and erasable markers during the exam. Do not bring any scratch paper.  During the mathematical/calculation sections there will be a basic calculator on your computer screen. 

If you have any disabilities or needs and need certain accommodations, please request one so that you are comfortable and able to focus on your exam. Do not be shy or hesitate to do what's best for you. You must have appropriate documentation. 

The Duration of the DAT 
The exam is 4 hours and 15 minutes total for you to complete all the sections. 
​There is an optional 15 minute break.
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Test Scores

• Prior to March 1, 2025, each section of the DAT was scored on a 1-30 point scale. Starting March 1, 2025, each section of the DAT will be scored on a 200-600 point scale, with scores assigned in increments of 10. There is no pass or fail cut off for this exam, and it is up to each institution to determine what is an acceptable score for admission to their program. It is important to note, however, that most competitive applicants will have high scores in all sections. 
  

• For more information regarding the DAT scoring systems and the percentile ranks for each score,  click here. 
  

The Dental Admissions Test Section Material ​

Since every college has different professors and material, the DAT is a good way to for dental schools to compare students. The DAT will be presented on a computer with the following subjects (in the order of the actual test): 
​Each section is multiple choice.
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Natural Sciences: 90 minutes – 100 questions

1. Biology - ~40 questions – Cell and molecular biology, physiology of plants and animals, and Ecology and Evolution.
2. General Chemistry – ~30 questions – Acids and bases, atomic structure, periodic properties, gases, liquids and solids, nuclear reactions.
3. Organic Chemistry – ~30 questions – Mechanisms, organic analysis, properties of molecules, stereochemistry, bonding, reactions, and nomenclature. 

Perceptual Ability: 60 minutes – 90 questions 

1. Keyholes – Given a 3D object and five openings, determine which of the five openings the object can pass (cannot be rotated)
2. Top-Front-End – You are presented two projections of an object. Determine the third.
3. Angle Ranking - Given four angles, rank them in increasing order
4. Hole Punching - A hole in punched through a piece of paper folded 1, 2 or 3 times. Mentally unfold the paper and determine where each hole is located.
5. Cube Counting - A stack of several cubes is presented to you. Each cube has been cemented together. Imagine the stack of cubes being painted on all sides. You are asked to determine how many cubes have a particular number of sides painted
6. Pattern Folding – Guessing how patterns fold “into the board” and “away from the board”.

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Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes – 50 questions 

1. 3 passages with 16-17 questions

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Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes – 40 questions (SAT-like)

1. Algebra
2. Geometry
3. Pre-Calculus
4. Quantitative Comparison
5. Graph Interpretation​ ​

Prior to March 1, 2025 unofficial test scores were available right after you finished the exam with official scores being released 3-4 weeks later. As of March 1, 2025, unofficial score reports will no longer be provided at the end of the exam. Instead, only the official score report will be released 3-4 weeks after the exam.
For more information about the DAT click here.​

Reminders

• Give yourself time to study before you decide on an exam date. Summer is a good time if you plan to apply to schools right after undergrad or study during your gap year if you decide to do that. ​​
• Save money for the application and apply for a waiver.
• Find the right studying resources. Many people recommend DAT Boot Camp.
• Relax and Breath. Take the exam when you're ready!
• Request testing accommodations if you have the appropriate documentations. 
• Schools recommend you take i the exam once, so get a really good score!
• ​You got this! and GOOD LUCK PRE-DENT SLUGS!