Updated: October 13, 2026

Deciding to reschedule your DAT exam can be influenced by various factors. Whether you feel unprepared, need additional study time, face personal issues, or encounter unforeseen events, it's crucial to consider all aspects before making a decision. Ideally, schedule your DAT well in advance to allow for any necessary changes. Here's a guide to help you decide whether to reschedule your DAT.

Studying Obstacles

Many students plan their study schedules after receiving their DAT eligibility window. However, balancing work, school, or other responsibilities can disrupt those plans. Consider rescheduling your exam if:

• You have enough time before application deadlines.
• New testing dates are available.
• Additional study time will significantly improve your preparation.
• You have the time and resources to make the most of the extra study period.

While postponing the exam may provide additional preparation time, it can also increase stress if you don't use that time effectively. If you're only slightly behind, you may still be ready for your original test date. If you decide to reschedule, make sure you have a clear plan for using the additional time wisely.

Personal Circumstances

Sometimes, rescheduling is unavoidable due to illness, family emergencies, or other unexpected events. In these situations, prioritize your well-being. The DAT requires focus and concentration, so taking the exam when you're physically and mentally prepared gives you the best opportunity to perform well.

Regardless of the reason, your goal should be to take the DAT when you're confident in your preparation while avoiding unnecessary delays in your dental school application.

The Cost of Rescheduling

Rescheduling fees vary depending on how much notice you provide before your scheduled appointment.

• 30 or more business days: $50
• 5–29 business days: $70
• 1–4 business days: $150
• Cancellation and rescheduling deadline: You must cancel or reschedule by the business day before your appointment and at least 24 hours before its scheduled start time. Both requirements apply.

Saturday and Sunday are not business days. Rescheduling fees are based on the notice provided before the originally scheduled appointment. These base fees are subject to change, and sales tax may apply.

If you do not appear and have not canceled or rescheduled by the required deadline, you will forfeit all testing fees and must submit a new application and payment to schedule another appointment. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time and are refused admission, your full testing fee is forfeited.

Always verify the latest fees and policies through the American Dental Association (ADA) and Prometric before rescheduling, as policies may change.

To reschedule or cancel your appointment, use the scheduling tools on the official Prometric ADA examination page or contact Prometric using the contact information provided there. Pay any applicable fee directly to Prometric. Local test centers cannot schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments. Retain a copy of your rescheduling confirmation.

Check the dates in your ADA eligibility notice before choosing a new appointment. After your application is processed, you generally have a six-month eligibility period, unless retesting rules or other requirements shorten it. The ADA permits one 45-day eligibility extension per application for $150. You must cancel any scheduled appointment before requesting the extension through your ADA account. The extension does not override other eligibility rules.

If an emergency on the day of your appointment prevents you from taking the examination, submit a written request for relief to the ADA Department of Testing Services within five business days of the scheduled appointment. Include applicable documentation. Emergencies occurring before examination day should be handled through Prometric’s cancellation and rescheduling process.

Email: testingproblems@ada.org

Phone: (800) 232-1694

Still Feel Like You Need to Reschedule?

If you decide to move your DAT to a later date, make sure the additional time will genuinely improve your preparation. The goal isn't simply to take the DAT on your original date—it's to take it when you're prepared to earn your best possible score.

For a comprehensive exam like the DAT, it's rare to feel 100% prepared. However, if you're confident in your preparation and your scheduled exam date aligns well with your dental school application timeline, keeping your original appointment is often the best decision. Avoid delaying your exam simply because you're nervous—most students feel some anxiety before test day. If you've prepared thoroughly, trust your preparation and move forward with confidence.

Prepare for the DAT with Confidence

Dr. Jim Romano began tutoring in 1985, and the first DAT Destroyer was published in 2006.

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Start your DAT preparation with Dr. Jim Romano's official free resources, including the FREE DAT Biology Review, study guides, videos, and more:

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By understanding the rescheduling process, planning ahead, and preparing with trusted study resources, you can make a more informed decision that supports both your DAT performance and your dental school application timeline.

Good luck with your preparation!