By Dr. Jim Romano and Nancy Steen — creators of the DAT Destroyer Series
Preparing for the Dental Admission Test can feel like a full-time job. Between lectures, labs, work, and the pressure to get into dental school, it is easy to fall into routines that waste time or even lower your score.
After helping students for more than 35 years, we have seen the same mistakes again and again, even from very capable students. The good news is that each one of these errors is completely preventable once you know what to look for.
If you are just beginning your study journey, start here:
1. Starting Without a Study Plan
Jumping in without structure is the fastest way to burn out. Before you open a single book, map out your study weeks. Decide how much time you will spend on each subject and build in review days. Consistency beats marathon study sessions every time.
2. Focusing Too Much on One Subject
Many students obsess over Biology or Organic Chemistry and ignore other sections. Balanced preparation wins because the DAT rewards all-around thinkers.
Not sure how the DAT compares to the OAT?
3. Ignoring the Basics
You cannot solve advanced questions if you have forgotten the fundamentals. Review your:
• General chemistry formulas
• Key biology terms
• Common math conversions
As Dr. Romano says: The DAT rewards depth of understanding, not trivia.
4. Memorizing Instead of Understanding
Flashcards help, but memorization alone will not get you through the DAT. The DAT Destroyer was built to teach concepts, not shortcuts.
Work each problem until you understand:
• Why the correct answer is correct
• Why the wrong answers are wrong
This is how you become truly test-proof.
5. Avoiding the Hard Questions
It is tempting to skip problems that make you uncomfortable. But those are the questions that raise your score.
Mark them, revisit them, break them down. Growth happens where you struggle.
For free daily help, join the DAT Destroyer Facebook Study Group
6. Relying Too Much on Timed Practice Tests
Timed practice exams can create unnecessary anxiety and rarely predict your real score.
Taking endless mock exams does not create mastery. Learning concepts does.
If you want an official diagnostic, use the ADA DAT practice test information here:
For the most accurate rules, procedures, and official DAT format information, always refer to the ADA DAT Candidate Guide:
7. Neglecting Reading Comprehension
Even strong science students lose points here. Reading Comprehension requires:
• Focus
• Endurance
• Comfort with academic writing
Consistent reading builds confidence faster than any timed passage.
8. Ignoring PAT Practice
The Perceptual Ability Test cannot be crammed. Fifteen minutes a day builds spatial intuition better than any marathon weekend session.
PAT is like exercise — small daily practice wins.
9. Comparing Yourself to Others
Seeing high scores online can be discouraging. Remember: you are seeing highlight reels, not reality.
Stay focused on your progress. The DAT rewards preparation and calm thinking, not panic.
10. Cramming the Last Week
Your brain consolidates information during rest, not during all-night study sessions.
The final week should be:
• Light review
• Short Destroyer sets
• Plenty of sleep
• Calm confidence
Walk into test day rested, not exhausted.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these ten traps can raise your score far more than memorizing another hundred facts. The secret to DAT success is simple: smart, consistent effort.
Master the concepts. Build a deep foundation. Become so strong that no question can shake you. That is the Destroyer way.
To understand how your performance compares to national averages, review our DAT Percentiles Guide:
Next Steps: Get the Right Tools
Dr. Jim Romano’s Dynamite Biology Review:
DAT and OAT Classes (online and in-person):
FAQs
What is the biggest mistake students make on the DAT?
Underestimating how challenging the exam truly is. Students often rely on easy question banks or skip foundational review.
How can I avoid careless errors?
Review why you missed each question. Patterns will appear, and you will stop repeating mistakes.
Are there visual resources for DAT students?
Yes. The official DAT Destroyer YouTube channel offers free lessons:
If you are exploring career paths after dental school, read:
As Dr. Romano says:
Get the damn book — it is all in there.