Last updated: October 10, 2026
The Dental Admission Test (DAT), implemented by the American Dental Association and administered at Prometric test centers, is a standardized exam that evaluates the academic ability and scientific understanding required for dental school.
One of the most common questions students ask is: Is taking the DAT three times bad? There is no universal admissions rule that makes a third attempt automatically bad. How schools evaluate your attempts and scores depends on each school’s policies and the rest of your application.
How many times can you take the DAT? Most students may take the DAT up to three times before special ADA approval is required.
DAT Retake Rules (ADA Guidelines)
- You can take the DAT up to three times without special approval, subject to the waiting-period and frequency restrictions.
- Candidates with three or more DAT attempts must apply for permission to test again and provide proof of a recent dental-school application with each subsequent testing application.
- You must wait at least 60 days between attempts, with a maximum of four administrations in any 12-month period. After completing those four, a fifth cannot occur until 12 months have passed from the first of those four attempts.
- After the fifth attempt, candidates may retest only once per 12-month period.
- Each attempt requires a new application and examination fee. The retesting policies are not subject to appeal.
- Official results are reported electronically to selected schools and posted to your DENTPIN account within approximately three to four weeks. If you have tested more than once, a history of all testing attempts is reported.
For testing beyond three attempts, submit a written request to DATexam@ADA.org with acceptable evidence that you attempted to apply to dental school within the previous 18 months. The ADA accepts a completed and submitted ADEA AADSAS application, a dental-school rejection letter, a letter on school letterhead from a dental-school admissions officer encouraging you to retest, or a letter on school letterhead from a college or university health-profession advisor or instructor indicating that you are applying to dental school.
Dental schools can see all DAT attempts, so improving your score is important before retesting.
Each dental school determines how it evaluates multiple DAT attempts, including which scores it considers and how those results fit into the rest of your application. Check your target schools’ current policies rather than assuming that your most recent score takes priority.
An improving score can demonstrate stronger performance on the examination, but there is no universal rule that an upward trend outweighs the number of attempts in admissions decisions.
Understanding how your score improves is important — see our DAT Score Conversion (2026) guide.
Understanding the DAT
Before discussing multiple attempts, it's helpful to understand what the DAT measures. The Dental Admission Test, commonly known as DAT, is a multiple-choice standardized exam taken by potential dental school students in the United States and Canada. It's designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.
The DAT consists of four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Six individual scores are reported: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning, along with two composite scores: Academic Average and Total Science. Since March 1, 2025, DAT scores have ranged from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments. Academic Average is the rounded average of Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning scale scores; Perceptual Ability is excluded. Under the current system, Total Science is the rounded average of Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry scale scores. Scores are neither raw counts nor percentiles, and there is no official passing score. Consult the ADA’s applicable examination norms for average performance and percentile standing rather than assuming that 400 is the national average for every score type.
The Impact of Multiple Attempts
Now, coming back to our primary question: Is taking the DAT 3 times bad? Well, it depends. The number of attempts you make at the DAT can indeed impact your application, but it's not as simple as "more attempts equals negative impact." Improvement is worth pursuing, but each school determines how much weight to give your score history and the number of attempts.
If you take the DAT once and score below your goals, then retest and improve, the new result demonstrates stronger examination performance. You can discuss what you changed in your preparation when appropriate, but improvement does not establish how every admissions committee will interpret your application. If your scores do not improve or fluctuate, review your preparation and discuss your next steps with your advisor and target schools before scheduling another attempt.
An upward trend is encouraging, but its effect on an admissions decision depends on the school and the rest of your application.
Strategies for Success
It's always important to remember that while your DAT score is a critical component of your dental school application, it's not the only factor considered by admissions committees. They also look at your GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, interview performance, and extracurricular activities.
That being said, if you're planning on taking the DAT multiple times, here are a few strategies to ensure you're putting your best foot forward:
- Preparation is Key: Understand the format of the DAT and what's expected of you. There are plenty of resources available online and in print to aid your preparation.
- Understand Your Weaknesses: If you've taken the DAT before and didn't perform as well as you'd hoped, take time to analyze your results. Identify the areas where you struggled and focus on improving in those areas.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The more familiar you are with the type of questions you'll be asked on the DAT, the more comfortable you'll be on test day. Take advantage of structured practice resources like DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer, which are designed to strengthen your foundation through challenging, exam-level problems.
- Take Care of Yourself: Your mental and physical health can significantly impact your performance. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time to relax and de-stress.
In conclusion, taking the DAT 3 times is not inherently bad. Progress and improvement are worthwhile goals, but your target schools’ policies and the strength of your full application also matter. Remember, the journey to dental school is not a sprint; it's a marathon. So, keep striving, keep improving, and don't let a number define your worth or your future.
If you're preparing to retake the DAT, focus on building a strong foundation before your next attempt—because improvement, not repetition, is what truly matters.
Recommended DAT Study Guide: DAT Biology Study Guide 2026: Topics, Study Plan, and Best Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (DAT Retakes)
Is taking the DAT 3 times bad?
Taking the DAT three times does not by itself establish whether your application will be competitive. Each school determines how it evaluates score history, attempt count, and the rest of your application. Check your target schools’ current policies and retest only when you have a realistic preparation plan.
How many times can you take the DAT?
You can take the DAT up to three times without special permission, subject to the waiting-period and frequency restrictions. After three attempts, you must apply for ADA permission and provide proof of a recent dental-school application with each subsequent testing application. Wait at least 60 days between attempts, with no more than four administrations in any 12-month period. After those four, a fifth must wait until 12 months from the first of those four attempts; after the fifth, retesting is limited to once per 12-month period. Each attempt requires a new application and fee.
Do dental schools see all DAT attempts?
Yes. When official DAT results are sent to your selected schools, a history of all testing attempts is reported. Results are reported electronically within approximately three to four weeks of testing. You cannot choose to report only your highest or most recent attempt.
Should I retake the DAT if I scored low?
If your score falls short of your target schools’ current requirements or goals, a retake may be worth considering after reviewing your preparation, eligibility, and application deadlines. There is no universal competitive cutoff. Allow for the retesting restrictions and approximately three to four weeks for official score reporting, and discuss your plan with your advisor or the schools before scheduling another attempt.