If you are a prospective dental or optometry student, chances are you have heard about the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and Optometry Admission Test (OAT). These standardized exams play a crucial role in your application process and can significantly impact your chances of being accepted into your desired program. In this guide, we will look at the key differences between the DAT and OAT to help you prepare with confidence.
Before you dive deeper, review our full guide on What Is the DAT Exam?, which explains the structure, timing, and scoring updates in detail:
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/what-is-the-dat-understanding-the-dental-admission-test-dat-for-students
You can also explore our DAT Percentiles Guide, which explains how your scaled score compares to other test takers:
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/dat-percentiles-how-to-interpret-your-score-and-improve-your-chances
DAT vs OAT Comparison
Survey of Natural Sciences
DAT: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
OAT: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics
Perceptual Ability (PAT)
DAT: Included
OAT: Not included
Reading Comprehension
Included on both exams
Quantitative Reasoning
Included on both exams, similar format
Total Testing Time
DAT: 4 hours 15 minutes
OAT: 5 hours (slightly longer)
Content and Format
The DAT consists of four sections:
• Survey of Natural Sciences
• Perceptual Ability Test
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Reasoning
The OAT also includes four sections:
• Survey of Natural Sciences
• Physics
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Reasoning
While both exams cover biology, chemistry, and math, only the OAT includes a dedicated Physics section.
Timing
The DAT provides 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete all sections.
The OAT gives candidates a full 5 hours, which is helpful for students who need more time for physics or complex reading passages.
Scoring
Both exams use a scaled scoring system from 200 to 600, where 400 is average, 450–480 is competitive, and 500+ is excellent.
Each section is scored independently, and both exams provide percentile rankings.
Purpose
Although both exams are used for admissions, they emphasize different skills:
DAT: Measures spatial reasoning through the PAT, which is especially important in dentistry.
OAT: Emphasizes Physics, which is foundational for understanding optics in optometry.
Preparation Tips
To prepare effectively:
• Review all tested content areas
• Use official study materials from the ADA (DAT) or ASCO (OAT)
• Take short, timed practice sets to build endurance
• Focus on mastery, not memorization
Official practice materials are available here:
ADA DAT Resources:
https://www.ada.org/education/testing/explore-health-professions-and-exams/official-dat-practice-test
OAT Practice Resources:
(ASCO link varies; official packet available on ASCO’s website)
Ready to Start Preparing?
The DAT Destroyer and OAT Destroyer by Dr. Jim Romano have helped thousands of students master the sciences and gain confidence before test day.
Explore our full study collection here:
https://orgoman.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DAT harder than the OAT?
Not necessarily. The DAT includes the PAT, while the OAT adds Physics. Your strengths in spatial reasoning or physics usually determine which exam feels harder.
Can I use DAT materials to study for the OAT?
Yes. The science overlap is significant. Many OAT students use DAT Destroyer, Dynamite Biology Review, Organic Chemistry Odyssey, and General Chemistry Destroyer with great success.
What is considered a good DAT or OAT score?
Under the new 200–600 scale, around 400 is average, 450–480 is solid, and 500+ is excellent.
What should I do after the exam?
If you are exploring career paths after dental school, read our guide:
Should I Specialize After Dental School?
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/should-i-specialize-after-dental-school
Get the Right Tools for a Higher DAT or OAT Score
👉 DAT and OAT Classes (In-Person and Online)
https://orgoman.com/pages/dat-classes
👉 DAT Destroyer, Math Destroyer, Organic Chemistry Odyssey, General Chemistry Destroyer
https://orgoman.com/products/dat-destroyer
👉 Facebook Study Group – download Dr. Romano’s Biology Review free
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ZLZLePEWr/
As Dr. Romano says: “Get the damn book — it is all in there.”