DAT PAT

All U.S. and Canadian dental schools require applicants to take the DAT as part of admission. The ADA suggests taking it after you have covered the tested subjects, especially organic chemistry - typically the spring of your junior year or the summer right after.

It is a battery of four multiple-choice tests delivered in English: Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 items), Perceptual Ability (90 items), Reading Comprehension (50 items), and Quantitative Reasoning (40 items). Total administration time is five hours and 15 minutes.

The exam is broad rather than trick-based, so the usual failure mode is sitting it before finishing the relevant coursework - organic chemistry especially. Others underestimate pacing across a five-hour-and-15-minute administration. Build timed practice into your schedule and do not book a date before your science background is in place.

You must wait 60 days between attempts, with a maximum of four administrations in any 12-month period. After three or more attempts you must apply for permission to test again and provide proof of a recent dental school application. After your fifth attempt, you may retest only once per 12-month period. The retest policy is not subject to appeal.

The DAT is offered year round at Prometric test centers in the U.S., its territories, and select locations in Canada, but it is no longer offered in Quebec. After your eligibility letter arrives, contact Prometric directly - the local center cannot schedule for you - and book 60 to 90 days ahead, since schedules fill up.

The fee is set out in the current DAT Candidate Guide, so check that document rather than relying on secondhand figures. Partial fee waivers covering 50% of the fee are granted first-come, first-served to eligible first-time examinees with demonstrated financial hardship; all 2026 waivers have been granted, and new ones open January 1, 2027.

Finish organic chemistry and the other natural science prerequisites first, since the Survey of the Natural Sciences is the largest section. Then add regular timed practice for Perceptual Ability and Quantitative Reasoning, which reward repetition and speed rather than memorization. Use the official online tutorial so test-day navigation is familiar before you sit.

Yes, but you must contact the administration vendor in advance - the local test center cannot reschedule or cancel for you. Appointments must be changed by the business day before the test, at least 24 hours ahead, and additional fees apply. Keep the confirmation email you receive.

Yes. Beginning March 1, 2025, the ADA implements a new scoring system for the DAT. The ADA publishes a DAT Scoring Update and a guide to understanding the new score reporting scale, so review both before interpreting your score report.

Reach the Department of Testing Services at 1.800.232.1694 or [email protected]. For scheduling emergencies, email [email protected] or call 800.232.1694. Privacy questions about your personal information are covered in the DAT Program Use of Personal Information and Privacy Policy.