Last updated: October 10, 2026
The Dental Admission Test, or DAT, is a computer-based exam required for admission into U.S. dental schools. The DAT measures academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the study of dentistry. Scores range from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments, a scale introduced on March 1, 2025. There is no official passing score; each dental school determines what scores it considers acceptable. The timed test sections total 4 hours and 15 minutes, while the full administration time is 5 hours and 15 minutes, including the optional tutorial, scheduled break, and survey. Here are 5 ways to help you ace the DAT using the best DAT study resources!
Get familiar with the test format
The DAT is a multiple-choice exam with four sections: natural sciences (biology general chemistry and organic chemistry), perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. There are 280 questions in total: 100 in Survey of the Natural Sciences, 90 in Perceptual Ability, 50 in Reading Comprehension, and 40 in Quantitative Reasoning. Each of the four sections is timed separately. Familiarizing yourself with the test format will help you pace yourself on test day and maximize your score potential.
Understand what material is covered
The DAT covers a lot of material, so it’s important to understand what topics will be covered on the exam. The natural sciences section tests your knowledge of biology,general chemistry and organic chemistry, while the perceptual ability section measures your spatial perception skills. The reading comprehension section assesses your ability to read and understand complex scientific passages, and the quantitative reasoning section tests your math skills. Knowing what material is covered will help you focus your DAT study and ensure that you’re prepared come test day. It is very important to use proven DAT Study resources like the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer that will help you score high on the DAT exam.
Take practice exams
One of the best ways to prepare for the DAT is to take practice exams under timed conditions. This will not only help you get familiar with the content covered on the exam, but it will also help you get used to answering questions under time pressure. There are many commercial study guides available that come with practice exams, or you can find practice exams online. Either way, taking practice exams is a great way to prepare for the DAT. Official ADA practice questions are available through the DAT page here. They illustrate the types of questions you may encounter, but the ADA states that they are not intended to predict DAT performance. Do not limit your preparation to reviewing practice questions.
Create a study schedule
With so much material to cover, it’s important to create a study schedule that breaks down your studying into manageable chunks. Cramming all of your DAT study into a short period of time is not an effective way to prepare for an exam like the DAT. The best study schedule is one you create yourself. By creating a DAT study schedule unique to you, you will be able to gradually build up your knowledge over time. This will help you retain information better and feel more prepared come test day.
Get plenty of rest
It’s important to get plenty of rest leading up to the DAT so that you can perform at your best on test day. Studying for long periods of time can be mentally and physically exhausting, so make sure to take breaks often and get plenty of sleep leading up to the exam. On test day itself, make sure to eat breakfast so that you have energy for the exam ahead.
Conclusion:
The DAT is a challenging exam, but by following these five tips you can feel confident that you’re prepared come test day! Good luck!