How to Register for the Canadian DAT?

Are you wondering how to sign up for the Canadian DAT? Well, you’ve come to the right place! The process can be daunting, but DATCrusher is here to help!

The Canadian DAT is an online exam administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) all year round starting in 2022. The test is written in person at pre-established test centers across Canada and is available in English and French. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the CDA website as it contains all the information needed for the DAT.

I. Registration Process

The CDA releases registration dates 2-3 months prior to each testing period. Starting in 2022, the CDA will be changing the way the Canadian DAT is administered. Be sure to check this page frequently for the latest updates.

To register for the DAT prior to 2022, you must do so through the CDA website before the registration deadline (email or phone registrations are not accepted).

1. Click here to go to the official Canadian DAT registration portal. Then scroll down and click “Register Now” which will take you to a page containing agreements you must abide to.
2. This will be followed by verifying your email address using a 6-digit code that is emailed to you.
3. Once you have entered the 6-digit code, you will need to provide more information about your DAT attempts. If you have taken the DAT before, you will need to provide your DAT ID number or payment reference number from a previous writing of the DAT.
4. Next, you will be required to fill out your personal information + requests for testing accommodations.
5. This will be followed by selecting the dental schools to which you are planning to send your transcripts. Pro-Tip: Select the top 5 dental schools you will be applying to and keep a note of this as the CDA will send your transcript to these schools for free! Keep in mind that it will cost you $20 for each additional school after 5 or if you decide to do this in the future after the registration.
6. This will be followed by having the option to purchase the CDA manual (recommended) + verify your information, and submit payment.
7. Once you have submitted payment, you will be sent an email on how to select a testing date + test date.

II. Registration Fees

There is a non-refundable fee associated with registration. This covers your registration at a test location, your official student transcript, and up to 5 official transcripts mailed directly to the dental schools of your choice. As of March 2022, the registration fees are $495 and are subject to applicable taxes.

For more information regarding registration, verification, or transcript fees, please refer to this page.

III. Cancelling Your Registration

If you decide to cancel your Canadian DAT registration, there is no cancellation form or process. Instead, you do not show up to your designated test centre. If you do not attend your scheduled test, no information will be sent to the dental schools you initially indicated during registration. Please note that the registration fee is neither refundable nor transferable.

IV. Next Steps After Registration

Once you register for the Canadian DAT, you will receive a confirmation email from the CDA indicating that you have successfully registered. This will confirm the time, date, and location of your exam.

Now it’s time to hit the books and study hard! We recommend you use our 8-week study guide and the abundance of study resources included with a premium DATCrusher membership. Be sure to check out our post on tips on how to prepare for the Canadian DAT effectively.

V. DAT Results

Typically, your test results will be available 6-8 weeks following the test date. You will receive an email containing instructions on how to access your personal transcript. The CDA will directly mail transcripts to the dental schools chosen during registration. However, keep in mind this is subject to change as the CDA makes changes to the Canadian DAT in 2022.

Congratulations! – you are one step closer to reaching your goal and becoming a dentist. If you have any other questions, DATCrusher is here for you! Feel free to reach out to the DATCrusher team or the CDA directly.