At least 14,000 people take the DAT exam each year. If you’re a pre-dental student preparing for or recovering from test day, congratulate yourself on being part of a small, elite pool of individuals chasing a dental career.
But one big question comes up after every test: What does my DAT score really mean? Many students look only at their overall number, but schools also consider percentiles — where you rank compared to everyone else. Understanding these numbers can help you interpret your performance and set realistic goals for admission.
This updated guide explains the new 200–600 scoring system, percentiles, and what “good scores” look like in 2025.
Overview of the DAT Exam
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam required for dental school admission in the U.S. and Canada. It measures both scientific knowledge and problem-solving ability across four major sections:
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Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry)
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Perceptual Ability (PAT)
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Reading Comprehension (RC)
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Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
In addition to individual section scores, students receive a Total Science (TS) and Academic Average (AA), which carry significant weight with admissions committees.
The New 200–600 Scoring Scale (Effective March 2025)
Until early 2025, DAT scores were reported on a 1–30 scale. The system has now been modernized to a three-digit scale (200–600).
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200 = minimum reported score
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600 = maximum reported score
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400 = national average
Like before, your raw number of correct answers is scaled, meaning the exact raw-to-scaled conversion can shift depending on exam difficulty. Guessing is still encouraged — there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
DAT Score Conversion Chart (Old vs. New)
If you’ve seen older DAT breakdowns online, they’ll often use the 1–30 scale. Here’s a quick guide to help translate:
| Old Scale (1–30) | Approx. New Scale (200–600) | Percentile Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | ~400 | ~50th (average) |
| 18 | ~420 | ~60th |
| 19 | ~440 | ~70th |
| 20 | ~460 | ~75th |
| 21 | ~480 | ~85th |
| 22 | ~500 | ~90th |
| 23 | ~520 | ~95th |
| 24–25 | ~540–560 | ~97th+ |
| 26–30 | ~580+ | ~99th |
Note: Exact percentiles shift slightly year to year depending on the overall pool of test takers.
What Are DAT Percentiles?
Percentiles show how you performed compared to other examinees.
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90th percentile = you scored better than 90% of test takers.
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50th percentile = you scored right at the national average.
Percentiles matter because admissions officers don’t just look at a raw number — they look at where you stand relative to your peers.
What Is a “Good” DAT Score in 2025?
There’s no official passing score. Each school sets its own standards, but in general:
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400 (average) – You’re competitive for less selective schools if other parts of your app are strong.
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440–460 – Solidly above average, competitive at many programs.
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480+ – Strong candidate, competitive for top schools.
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500+ – Excellent, places you in a high percentile (90th+).
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540+ – Elite, rare scores (95th+ percentile).
Remember, admissions committees weigh GPA, shadowing, research, extracurriculars, and personal statements alongside your DAT. A balanced application is always stronger than just a single number.
Should You Retake the DAT?
Retaking depends on your goals and current score. Consider retesting if:
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Your score is below 400 (average).
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You scored significantly below 440 in multiple sections.
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You know you underperformed and could improve with targeted studying.
Rules still apply: you must wait 60 days between attempts, and there’s a maximum of four tests per 12-month period. After a fifth attempt, you may only test once per year.
How to Improve Your DAT Percentile
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Strengthen weak areas: Don’t just keep practicing what you’re good at — target the subjects you missed.
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Practice test pacing: Learn to manage time under pressure.
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Review high-yield biology & chemistry: Foundations matter more than memorizing obscure facts.
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Work through challenging problems: Struggling is part of growth; don’t just skim answers.
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Use trusted resources: Be sure your practice matches the rigor of the real exam.
Final Thoughts
The new 200–600 DAT scoring system may look different, but percentiles remain the key to interpreting your performance. A score of 400 puts you at the national average, while 480+ and beyond signals real competitiveness.
No matter your percentile, remember: scores are one part of your story. Schools want to see resilience, preparation, and passion for dentistry.
And if you’re serious about boosting your score, the DAT Destroyer, Math Destroyer, OAT Destroyer, and Dr. Romano’s Biology Review have been helping students for decades to push their percentiles higher and achieve their goals.