DAT Overview
Spanning four hours and consisting of four sections with a total of 280 multiple choice questions, the DAT builds questions from a set of competencies, which are concepts that students need to know and skills they need to perform. It is each student’s responsibility to ensure they have met the competencies before taking the exam.
Compiled from DAT Kaplan Publishing Book (2010) and the DAT Program Guide (2014)
- Computer-based test
- Exam Location Website
- Registration fee: $525
- Fee changes could occur every January 1st
- Test Dates: Administered Year Round
- Register
Sections
Survey of the Natural Science
Knowledge of university-level sciences and subdivided into:
- Biology
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Preparatory Courses:
BIOL 171/L, BIOL 172/L, CHEM 161/L, CHEM 162/L, CHEM 272/L, CHEM 273/L
Perceptual Ability
Ability to visualize and mentally manipulate objects in three-dimensions; angle discrimination. Subdivided into:
- Apertures (keyholes)
- View recognition
- Angle discrimination
- Paper folding (hole punching)
- Cube counting
- 3D form development
Preparatory Courses:
ART 113 Introduction to Drawing, ART 116 Introduction to 3D Composition, ART 242 Introduction to Ceramics, ART 343 Ceramics-Sculpture
Resource: Example Question
Reading Comprehension
Read, comprehend, and analyze thoroughly basic scientific information in three extended passages
Preparatory Courses:
English, English literature, and courses in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences that require reading and analysis.
Quantitative Reasoning
Proficiency in mathematics and problem-solving skills on the following topics:
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Conversions
- Probability
- Algebra
- Word problems
- Geometry
- Trigonometry.
Preparatory Courses:
MATH 140
Time Breakdown
| Test Section | # of Questions | Time |
| Survey of the Natural Sciences | 40 Biology 30 Inorganic Chemistry 30 Organic Chemistry |
90 minutes |
| Perceptual Ability | 90 | 60 minutes |
| Break (Optional) | __ | 30 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 280 |
4 hours, 45 minutes
|
Scoring
- Each section receives its own score
- Range: 1 - 30 (highest)
- Score for each natural science subsection
- Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
- All scores are combined into academic average
- Except for Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
- Scaled score and percentile ranking
- Score Reports
- Unofficial scores given immediately after completing the exam
- Official scores are reported 3-4 weeks later
- Upcoming changes starting March 1, 2025
- How Schools Consider Multiple DAT Scores
Official ADA Resources
- The Official Program Guilde to the DAT®
- Official DAT Sample Test, by ADA. You must register for it and the full practice test costs $100.
- DAT Frequently Asked Questions
- List of DAT Reference Texts
- DAT Tutorial, by ADA provides the test format, sample items, and information about navigating through the test.
- Chad's Prep
- Crack the DAT
- DAT Bootcamp and Feralis Notes
- If you register for an account, you have free access to a full-length practice test
- Free flashcards + cheat sheets
- Free DAT Question of the Day
- Free sample DAT study schedule (2.5 months)
- Free articles on DAT tips
- Success Stories
- DAT Booster
- DAT Destroyer
- Erudera DAT Guide
- EBSCO PrepSTEP
- For UH Students, you have free access to a practice test to help familiarize you with the format of the DAT
- Provide you detailed explanation of the answers and instant scoring.
- Gold Standard
- Kaplan
- NextStep Test Prep
- Princeton Review (Use promo code RAINBOW15 for 15% off!)
- Prometric’s Test Drive provides students an opportunity to take a 30-minute “dry-run” of the test center prior to day of the exam in order for students to familiarize themselves with the feel of a computer-based testing environment.
UH Mānoa students ONLY: To borrow test preparation material for free, check out our Lending Library.
Funding Opportunities
- Your most important preparation for the DAT is your undergraduate courses, many of which sharpen your writing and verbal reasoning skills.
- Remember that your Reading Comprehension score is not only the most accurate predictor of how well you will do in dental school, but also the most difficult score to improve.
- Creating a DAT study schedule
- How to Prepare for an Entrance Exam
- Timeline Checklist: a 12-month guide to studying for the DAT
- 8-Week DAT Study Plan
- DAT Practice Test Tracker: keep a log of your progress as you study
- Prepping for the DAT: , by the ADEA. tips from students on preparing for the DAT exam
Success Tips
✓ Learn as much as you can about the exam
- All multiple choice questions are worth the same amount—one raw point
- No penalty for guessing
✓ Study material covered on the exams by
- Reviewing courses you have taken
- Studying guidebooks
- Taking preparatory courses offered by private companies (e.g., Kaplan and Princeton Review for the DAT).
- DAT tutorial, preparation material, and sample tests are found on the ADA website.
✓ Take practice exams under realistic, timed conditions
✓ Review the results of your practice exam to identify areas in which you need improvement
- Spend more time reviewing material in these areas
- Identify tactical errors you may have made
- Begin to develop strategies for answering each type of question
✓ Start preparing for the exams well in advance
- A year is none too soon - but pace yourself!
- You must find a balance between preparing thoroughly, but not burning yourself out
✓ Do your best the first time
- Must wait 90 days between testing attempts
- Must submit a new application plus fee for each retest.
✓ Take time just before the exam to relax
- Get a good night's sleep
- Eat a good nutritious breakfast
✓ Scope out the exam location prior to your test day