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.
If you’re new to the DAT, start with our full guide: What Is the DAT Exam? When Should You Take It & How It’s Scored.
If you’re trying to understand how your score is calculated or what a specific percentile (such as a 21 DAT percentile) actually means, this guide breaks it down clearly.
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.
If you’re comparing dental careers or planning your long-term path, read our guide: How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?
Here is the link to attach to the title “How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?”:
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-dentist
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?
How to Determine Your DAT Percentile (Simple 2026 Method)
Your DAT percentile tells you how your score compares to everyone else who took the exam.
To find it:
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Look at your scaled score (the 200–600 number on your score report).
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Check the ADA’s current percentile chart, which matches each scaled score to a national percentile.
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Match your AA, TS, or section score to its percentile column.
Example:
If your Academic Average is 480, that usually places you around the 85th percentile — meaning you scored higher than 85% of all DAT takers nationwide.
Important: Percentiles update regularly as the ADA collects more data, so exact numbers may shift slightly from year to year.
What Does a 21 DAT Percentile Mean?
A 21 DAT percentile means you scored higher than 21% of all test-takers, and about 79% scored higher than you. Percentiles are not the same as your DAT score. Under the 200–600 scoring system, percentiles simply show your standing compared to other students. A percentile in the low 20s is considered below average and usually indicates that additional preparation is needed before applying to dental school.
Is 21st Percentile on the DAT Good?
In most cases, no. A 21st percentile performance suggests that your score is well below the competitive range. Most successful applicants fall around the 60th–90th percentile or higher, depending on the school.
Why Students Get Confused
Many students mistake “21 percentile” for a 21 score on the old 1–30 scale. But the two are completely different. A 21 score used to be an excellent performance.
A 21 percentile is not.
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.
- Top 10 Most Common DAT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 21 DAT percentile mean?
It means you scored higher than 21% of test-takers. About 79% scored higher than you. A percentile in the low 20s is below average and usually requires additional preparation.
What percentile is competitive for dental school?
Most successful applicants fall between the 60th–90th percentile, depending on the school.
Related: Full DAT Percentile Guide (New 200–600 Scale)
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/dat-percentiles-how-to-interpret-your-score-and-improve-your-chances
Does the new 200–600 DAT scoring system change percentiles?
No. Percentiles work exactly the same — they show your position compared to everyone else.
Is my Academic Average (AA) or Total Science (TS) more important?
Both matter, but AA and TS remain two of the strongest predictors of interview chance
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.
Looking for DAT Help?
Join thousands of students who use the DAT Destroyer series and our DAT & OAT Classes to raise their percentiles and improve their scores.
• DAT Destroyer, Math Destroyer, OAT Destroyer
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• Free Dr. Romano Biology Review (in our Facebook Study Group)
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