If you are planning to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) in 2027 and are experiencing financial hardship, now is the time to learn about the American Dental Association’s partial DAT fee waiver program.
The ADA states that all partial fee waivers available for 2026 have already been granted and that additional waivers will become available January 1, 2027.
Because the number of waivers is limited and they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible candidates who submit the required documents, students who may qualify should learn about the program now rather than waiting until January.
Important: You cannot request a 2027 partial fee waiver yet. The ADA states that its currently published 2027 information is for informational purposes only and instructs students to revisit its website on January 1, 2027 to request a waiver. Applicants should follow the official ADA instructions in effect when requests open.
How Much Does the 2027 DAT Fee Waiver Cover?
According to the ADA’s current information, the partial fee waiver covers 50% of the DAT fee.
The waiver does not cover rescheduling or cancellation charges, or score reporting requested after the initial DAT application.
Who Is Eligible for a DAT Partial Fee Waiver?
The ADA currently states that an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a first-time DAT examinee
- Have not previously received a partial fee waiver
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Demonstrate financial hardship
- Have received financial aid from their school
The DAT Program reviews fee-waiver requests and makes the final approval or denial decision.
Why Students Should Prepare Before January 1, 2027
January may seem a long way off when you are concentrating on classes and DAT preparation, but students who believe they may qualify should not wait until January to learn how the program works.
The ADA states that partial fee waivers are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible candidates who have submitted the required documents.
Although you cannot submit a 2027 request yet, you can become familiar with the eligibility requirements, locate or obtain your DENTPIN, and bookmark the official ADA DAT page so you are ready to review the instructions when requests open.
You Will Need a DENTPIN
DAT candidates use a DENTPIN, or Dental Personal Identification Number, to access dental testing services.
A DENTPIN is a unique eight-digit identifier. If you are testing for the first time, you must register for a DENTPIN before applying to test.
Already have a DENTPIN? Do not create another one. The ADA allows you to retrieve a forgotten DENTPIN, reset your password, and update personal information through its DENTPIN system.
How to Request a DAT Fee Waiver
When partial fee waivers become available, the ADA currently instructs students to:
- Sign in using their DENTPIN.
- Select Submit Request.
- Select Waiver Request.
- Select DAT as the examination for which they are requesting a waiver.
After reviewing the request, the DAT Program will notify the candidate by email of its decision. Approved candidates will receive instructions for submitting their DAT application online.
How Long Does the DAT Fee Waiver Review Take?
The ADA advises candidates to allow up to 10 business days for review of a partial fee waiver request.
Students should therefore plan ahead rather than assuming the waiver request and DAT application can be completed immediately.
How to Prepare for the 2027 DAT Fee Waiver
- Review the current ADA eligibility requirements.
- Obtain a DENTPIN if you do not already have one.
- If you already have a DENTPIN but cannot remember it, retrieve it rather than creating another.
- Bookmark the official ADA DAT page.
- Return to the ADA website on January 1, 2027 and review the instructions and requirements in effect at that time before submitting your request.
Students should also be aware that DAT testing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Follow the ADA’s fee-waiver process and the instructions you receive from the DAT Program before submitting a DAT application if you are seeking a waiver.
Official DAT Fee Waiver Resources
Official ADA Dental Admission Test and Fee Waiver Information
https://www.ada.org/education/testing/exams/dental-admission-test-dat
Register for or Manage Your DENTPIN
https://www.ada.org/education/manage-your-dentpin
Free DAT Preparation Resources from Dr. Jim Romano
While preparing for the DAT, students can also access free DAT preparation materials from Dr. Jim Romano, including Biology review materials, practice questions, videos, and other study resources.
Explore Dr. Jim Romano’s Free DAT Preparation Resources
https://orgoman.com/pages/start-your-dat-preparation-for-free-official-resources-from-dr-jim-romano