University of Alberta School of Dentistry (2026): DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions

The University of Alberta School of Dentistry is one of Western Canada's most established dental programs, located in Edmonton, Alberta. With a strong reputation for clinical training, community outreach, and research, the U of A School of Dentistry attracts competitive applicants from across Canada. For pre-dental students considering Alberta, understanding the admissions requirements and DAT expectations is essential.

About the University of Alberta School of Dentistry

The University of Alberta School of Dentistry offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program with a strong emphasis on clinical excellence, patient care, and biomedical sciences. Located on the U of A's North Campus in Edmonton, the program benefits from strong ties to Alberta Health Services and a wide range of clinical training opportunities across the province. Class sizes are small and admission is competitive.

Admissions Requirements (2026)

Completion of required undergraduate prerequisites including Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and English
Competitive GPA — successful applicants typically present a 3.5 or higher
Canadian DAT (cDAT) required — U.S. DAT acceptance varies by application cycle and should be verified
Reference letters and supplemental application materials
Interview — the University of Alberta uses a structured interview process as part of the final selection
CASPer test may be required depending on the application cycle — applicants should verify current requirements

DAT Scores: What Is Competitive at University of Alberta?

The University of Alberta does not publish a minimum DAT cutoff, but competitive applicants typically present strong scores across all sections of the Canadian DAT. The Academic Average (AA) and Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) are the two scores that carry the most weight in the admissions review.

Academic Average (AA): 19–22 or higher recommended
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): 19+ recommended
Reading Comprehension: 19+ recommended
Science scores: Strong performance in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry is essential

Canadian DAT vs U.S. DAT: What You Need to Know

The Canadian DAT (cDAT) and the U.S. DAT are not the same exam. Understanding this difference is important for students applying to Canadian dental schools like the University of Alberta.

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
Canadian dental schools may accept both the Canadian DAT and the U.S. DAT — check the University of Alberta's current requirements carefully before applying
The section structure differs slightly between the two exams

Regardless of which version you write, strong performance in the science sections and a high Academic Average are what matter most for University of Alberta admissions.

Preparing for Canadian Dental Schools

Whether you are writing the Canadian DAT or the U.S. DAT, the core science content is the same. Strong performance in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry is essential for any competitive applicant to the University of Alberta School of Dentistry.

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 schools like the University of Alberta.

Canadian students preparing for the DAT regularly use these materials when applying to both U.S. and Canadian dental schools.

You can also access Free DAT Preparation Resources from Dr. Jim Romano.

DAT Strategy for Competitive Scores

Understanding key reactions like SN1 and SN2 is essential for success on the DAT. Here is an example of how Dr. Romano teaches these high-yield concepts.

Start Your DAT Preparation Today

A strong DAT score is your most important asset when applying to the University of Alberta School of Dentistry. The DAT Destroyer series by Dr. Jim Romano has helped thousands of students — including Canadian applicants — earn competitive scores at dental schools across North America.

DAT Destroyer — Math Destroyer — General Chemistry Destroyer — Organic Chemistry Odyssey — Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book

Join the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook for free resources and daily practice questions.

Bottom Line: The University of Alberta School of Dentistry is one of Western Canada's most competitive dental programs. Applicants should target AA scores of 19–22 or higher and PAT scores of 19+ on the Canadian DAT, and present a GPA of 3.5 or above. Start your preparation early with structured, concept-based materials that build the deep understanding the University of Alberta expects.