Below we explain the DAT, including its format, content, and scoring system. This article also provides score-improving strategies for pre-dental students.
Want to boost your chances of dental school admission? Read on to learn all about the DAT and the best ways to ace it.
DAT Exam Overview
All dental schools in the United States use DAT scores as part of their admission process. Available year-round and administered by the American Dental Association (ADA), the test fee is $535. Applicants may apply for a fee waiver based on financial hardship, but those cover only 50% and are limited in number.
Prospective dental school candidates must register for the test using their DENTPIN, an identifier provided by the ADA. Once registered, you will receive a letter confirming your testing eligibility. You should complete this process at least 60 days before your hopeful test date.
When Should You Take the Exam?
Students should take the DAT a year before they expect to start dental school. Most people want to enter dental school as soon as they finish their undergraduate degree. Year three of undergraduate studies is the ideal time to register and take the test.
To qualify, you must complete all biology and chemistry prerequisites.
Can You Retake the Exam?
If you're unsatisfied with your score, you can retake the test. You have to wait 60 days after your test to retake it.
Retakes are limited. Students can only register and take the test three times in any 12-month period. Although you can take the test multiple times, aiming for the highest score possible the first time is best.
Dental schools all have different admissions processes. Some schools use your highest score, while others may use an average or the score of your most recent exam.
Should you consider retaking the test?
- Higher scores make admission to prestigious schools more likely
- The second and third tests ease testing anxiety
What is the DAT Exam and What to Expect
DAT is a multiple-choice exam divided into four distinct parts:
- Survey of Natural Sciences
- Perceptual ability - Two and three-dimensional problem-solving
- Reading comprehension
- Quantitative reasoning
The Survey of Natural Sciences covers the following:
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
The Perceptual Ability Test assesses the following subjects:
- Spatial reasoning
- Visualization and interpretation
The Reading Comprehension Test measures the student's ability to read and comprehend scientific material. The Quantitative Reasoning Test evaluates the student's mathematical skills.
Every university has a different GPA requirement for admission. A good GPA score is crucial. Your DAT score carries more weight if your Grade Point Average (GPA) is at the low end of the acceptable range.
Understanding the DAT Score
The DAT now uses a three-digit scoring scale ranging from 200 to 600, with a national average of 400.
Each section of the DAT receives its own score, and these contribute to your overall Academic Average (AA), which is one of the primary metrics dental schools use when evaluating applicants.
What Is A Good DAT Exam Score?
A competitive DAT score range is within the top 25% DAT score percentile.
Achieving a score above 420 on the current 200–600 DAT scale significantly increases your chances of admission to dental school, with higher scores making you more competitive at top programs.
Pre-dental students should aim for a score that exceeds the demands of their preferred dental schools.
How to Improve Your DAT Scores
Pre-dental students should start preparing for the DAT before their intended test date. Like any other exam, effective study strategies and hard work yield results. Here are some strategies to boost DAT scores:
Understand the Format and Content of the Exam
The DAT is a computer-controlled test. The DAT consists of multiple-choice questions presented in English, and includes a battery of four tests:
- Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 items)
- Perceptual Ability (90 items)
- Reading Comprehension (50 items)
- Quantitative Reasoning (40 items)
Create a Study Schedule
To maximize DAT score potential, pre-dental students should create a personalized study schedule. This study schedule should align with their learning style and their timetable.
One way to create a study routine is to use a "time blocking" strategy. Time blocking involves making a "to-do" list for each day and devoting a specific amount of time to each task. A consistent study schedule and routine can improve learning retention and find areas needing improvement.
Use Study Materials
A wide variety of DAT study materials exist to help students with their test preparation. Effective use of the following prepares students for test day:
Sample and Practice Tests
Using practice tests offered by the ADA is a helpful way for pre-dental students to prepare for the DAT. Practice tests simulate the actual test environment and familiarize students with exam format, question types, and time constraints. They also help identify areas of strength and weakness, build test-taking confidence, and reduce testing anxiety.
Study Guides
DAT study guides give an overview of the exam format and content. Study guides include practice questions and explanations, which reinforce knowledge and improve test-taking skills.
Flashcards For Easier Learning
Flashcards help students memorize important concepts, definitions, and formulas. They work great for last-minute study sessions and enhance recall abilities.
Focus on Weaknesses
Identifying areas of weakness or knowledge gaps helps bring focus to your study strategy. Through targeted studying and practice, students can overcome their weaknesses and succeed on the exam.
Practice Time Management
In total, the exam takes over five hours. Each section has an assigned time limit:
- 15 minutes for the optional tutorial
- 90 minutes for the Survey of Natural Sciences
- 60 minutes for Perceptual Ability
- 30 minutes for an optional break
- 60 minutes for Reading Comprehension
- 45 minutes for Quantitative Reasoning
- 15 minutes for the post-test survey
Students should use a timer when taking practice tests to simulate the test environment and learn to pace themselves.
Take Advantage of Resources
Tutoring and online forums are two valuable resources available to students studying for the DAT. These tutoring classes and online forums offer one-on-one guidance, personalized study plans, and feedback on practice tests.
Gain the Confidence You Need for the DAT Exam
If you're a pre-dental student preparing for the DAT, there are many resources available to help you succeed. Orgoman provides high-quality DAT prep materials and online tutoring services. With Orgoman, you can gain access to expert guidance and support to help you achieve your best possible score on the DAT. Contact Orgoman today and take the first step toward your dream of becoming a dentist!
Ready to Improve Your DAT Score?
Orgoman has the tools and instruction you need to score competitively and get into dental school:
- DAT Destroyer — the most rigorous DAT prep book available, built on concept mastery
- Math Destroyer — master the quantitative reasoning section
- General Chemistry Destroyer — deep preparation for one of the hardest DAT sections
- Dr. Jim Romano's Biology Review — comprehensive biology coverage for the DAT
- DAT and OAT Classes — in-person and online courses with Dr. Jim Romano and the Orgoman team