If you are a pre-dental student applying to Canadian dental schools, one of the first questions you will ask is: what DAT score do I need? The answer depends on the school, but understanding the general expectations across Canadian programs will help you set a realistic target and build a preparation plan that gets you there.
This guide breaks down DAT score expectations for every accredited Canadian dental school, explains the difference between the Canadian DAT and the U.S. DAT, and shows you how to prepare effectively.
➡️ Learn how the DAT is structured and what scores matter most:
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/what-is-the-dat-exam
Canadian DAT vs U.S. DAT: What Is the Difference?
The Canadian DAT (cDAT) and the U.S. DAT are not the same exam. If you are applying to Canadian dental schools, you need to understand which exam is required and how scores are reported.
- The Canadian DAT is administered by the Canadian Dental Association and uses a 1–30 scoring scale
- The U.S. DAT is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and now reports scores on a 200–600 scale
- Some Canadian schools accept both — always verify directly with the school before applying
- The section structure differs slightly between the two exams
➡️ DAT Score Conversion — understand how the scales compare:
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/dat-score-conversion-understand-the-new-3-digit-scale
What DAT Score Do You Need? School-by-School Breakdown
Canadian dental schools do not all publish minimum DAT cutoffs, but competitive applicants consistently present strong Academic Average (AA) and Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) scores. Here is what you need to know for each school.
University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry
One of Canada's most competitive programs. Target AA 20+ and PAT 19+ to be competitive. GPA expectations are among the highest in the country.
McGill University Faculty of Dentistry
Highly competitive with a strong research focus. Target AA 19–21+ and PAT 18+. Science GPA is heavily weighted.
University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry
One of Canada's top programs on the west coast. Target AA 19–21+ and PAT 18+. Strong science scores are essential.
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry — Western University
Among Canada's most competitive programs. Target AA 20+ and PAT 19+. Uses MMI interview format. GPA of 3.7+ recommended.
University of Alberta School of Dentistry
Strong program in western Canada. Target AA 18–21+ and PAT 18+. Competitive science GPA required.
Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry
The primary dental school serving Atlantic Canada. Target AA 18–20+ and PAT 17+. Strong community focus.
University of Manitoba College of Dentistry
Serves Manitoba and surrounding provinces. Target AA 17–20+ and PAT 17+. Preference given to Manitoba residents.
University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry
Strong regional program. Target AA 17–20+ and PAT 17+. Preference given to Saskatchewan residents.
Université de Montréal Faculty of Dental Medicine
One of two French-language dental schools in Canada. Target AA 18–21+ and PAT 18+. French language proficiency required.
Université Laval Faculty of Dentistry
The second French-language dental school in Canada, located in Québec City. Target AA 18–21+ and PAT 18+. French language proficiency required.
What Do These Scores Have in Common?
Across all Canadian dental schools, the pattern is clear: high-level mastery of Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry is non-negotiable. Your science scores drive your Academic Average, and your Academic Average is the single most important DAT metric in Canadian admissions.
The PAT is the second most important score. Many students underestimate how much preparation the PAT requires. Start early and practice consistently.
How to Prepare for the Canadian DAT
Whether you are writing the Canadian DAT or the U.S. DAT, the core science content is the same. Dr. Jim Romano has been helping students prepare for the DAT for more than 35 years. His preparation materials are built around deep conceptual understanding — the foundation required to score competitively at Canadian dental schools.
Canadian students preparing for the DAT consistently use these materials when applying to both Canadian and U.S. dental schools.
- DAT Destroyer
- Math Destroyer
- General Chemistry Destroyer
- Organic Chemistry Odyssey
- Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
➡️ For a structured study plan, see:
https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance/dat-destroyer-3-month-study-schedule-2026-a-proven-plan-for-dat-preparation
➡️ Start here for free:
https://orgoman.com/pages/start-your-dat-preparation-for-free-official-resources-from-dr-jim-romano
Join the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook for free resources and daily practice questions.
Bottom Line: Canadian dental schools are competitive and DAT scores matter. Target an AA of 18–21+ depending on the school, prioritize your science sections, and give the PAT the preparation time it deserves. Start early, study with proven materials, and use the school-by-school guides above to understand exactly what each program expects.