Last Updated: October 11, 2026
As a predental student, it's essential to know everything about the DAT exam. It is a standardized test that assesses your academic abilities in various subjects and critical thinking skills required for dental school admission. Many students are confused about what to expect from the DAT exam and have several questions in their minds. This article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the DAT exam, providing you with a better understanding of the test.
What is included in the DAT?
The DAT consists of multiple-choice questions presented in English, and includes a battery of four tests:
- Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 items)
- Perceptual Ability (90 items)
- Reading Comprehension (50 items)
- Quantitative Reasoning (40 items)
What is the format of the DAT exam?
|
Section |
Number of questions |
Time |
Content |
|
Survey of Natural Sciences |
100 Questions |
90 Minutes |
Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry |
|
Perceptual Ability Test |
90 Questions |
60 Minutes |
Keyhole, Top/Front/End Visualization, Angle Ranking, Hole Punches, Cube Counting, Pattern Folding |
|
Reading Comprehension Test |
50 Questions |
60 Minutes |
The Reading Comprehension Test contains three reading passages on various scientific topics. |
|
Quantitative Reasoning Test |
40 Questions |
45 Minutes |
Math, Word Problems |
How is the DAT exam scored?
DAT results are reported as scale scores. Scale scores are neither raw scores (i.e., the number of questions answered correctly) nor percentiles. DAT scale scores range from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments. This scoring scale took effect on March 1, 2025. There is no official passing score; consult the current official examination norms to interpret your score.
How is the DAT Academic Average score determined?
The Academic Average is the rounded average of a candidate’s scale scores in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.
How is the DAT Total Science score determined?
Under the scoring system introduced on March 1, 2025, the Total Science score is the rounded average of a candidate’s scale scores in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. The previous calculation applied to DAT administrations before March 1, 2025.
Does the DAT contain unscored questions?
Yes. A small number of questions on the test are experimental and are not scored. The data collected on unscored questions may be used in later test construction procedures, to ensure that these questions are appropriate before they become scored items. Unscored questions are presented in the same manner as scored questions.
Can you retake the DAT exam?
The DAT retest policy is not subject to appeal and states that:
- Candidates must wait 60 days between testing attempts on the DAT, with a maximum of four (4) such administrations permitted during any 12-month period of time. If a candidate completes four administrations within a 12-month period, a fifth attempt cannot occur until 12 months have passed from the first of those four attempts.
- Candidates with three (3) or more attempts on the DAT must apply for permission to test again, providing proof of recent application to dental school with each subsequent application to test. The ADA requires acceptable evidence of an attempt to apply to dental school within the previous 18 months.
- Subsequent to the candidate’s fifth DAT attempt, the candidate may retest only once per 12-month period.
Whether your score was too low to get into your preferred school, or you simply want to see if you can improve your examination results, taking the DAT a second and third time is allowed.
If taking the exam again, applicants should be aware that they must wait a minimum of 60 days from their last examination attempt before retesting, and each new testing attempt will require a new application and examination fee.
Be sure to check with your potential dental schools, as all schools handle their admissions differently, including which DAT score(s) they will consider for admission. Check each school’s current policy for how it evaluates multiple DAT attempts. The ADA reports a history of all testing attempts.
Conclusion:
We hope that this article has answered some of your commonly asked questions about the DAT exam. Knowing what to expect from the test, its format, and scoring system can help you prepare better and ensure you get the maximum score possible. Remember to prepare for the DAT exam by reviewing the DAT Destroyer Study Guide materials thoroughly, practicing regularly, and using official ADA practice questions to become familiar with the exam format. ADA practice questions help candidates understand the types of questions on the DAT. They are not intended to predict DAT performance, and preparation should not be limited to reviewing practice questions. Also join a DAT Study Group.
Good Luck!
Dr. Jim Romano, Nancy Steen and the DAT Destroyer Team