How to Register for the Canadian DAT?

Learn how to register for the Canadian DAT with clear instructions and advice to avoid mistakes and meet important deadlines with ease.

I. How to Register for the Canadian DAT

Registration Process

Registration for the Canadian Dental Admission Test can be done at any time throughout the year.

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.

Registration Fees

The registration fee 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 September 2025, the registration fees are $569 not including DAT transcripts.

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

Cancelling Your Registration

1. Cancel your DAT testing appointment through the Prometric website.
2. You will then receive a Prometric cancellation ID which you will need to email the DAT office with.
3. Indicate in your email to the DAT office that you no longer wish to write the DAT.

Registration fees are partially refundable within 90 days of fee payment.

Next Steps After Registration

Once you register for the Canadian DAT, you will receive an eligibility email from the CDA providing a link to book a date and location of your exam within the 6-month eligibility period. 

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 study for the Canadian DAT.

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.

II. When Should You Register for the Canadian DAT?

Although the CDA has opened up multiple test dates throughout the year, it is important to register early as exam slots fill up quickly due to the application cycles of various schools. Peak registration times tend to occur during the summer as students have fewer academic commitments and like to use their time to study for the DAT. It is also important to consider when Canadian dental schools require you to submit your DAT scores as part of your application.

For tips on when to study for the DAT, refer to DATCrusher’s guide here.

III. What to Know Before Registering for the DAT

Before registering for the DAT, make sure to:

1. Check the nearest test centre available to you: The DAT is offered at Prometric test centres across Canada. You can explore available sites on the Prometric website or on the CDA website here.
2. Have a list of dental schools you want to send your DAT score report to.
3. Confirm test dates and eligibility requirements: Review the CDA’s Candidate Guide to ensure you qualify.
4. Determine if you need testing accommodations: A testing accommodation form can be found during your DAT registration and must be submitted to this website.
5. Plan around the 6-month window: Once you register, your eligibility to write the exam is valid for 6 months.

IV. Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent errors students make include:

1. Typos in personal information (such as your name or date of birth).
2. Selecting the wrong dental school for the CDA to send your DAT scores.
3. Registering too close to the deadline and losing seat availability.

If you need to make corrections, remember that changes to your name, birthdate, or other details must be completed at least two weeks before your scheduled test by sending your request to dat@cda-adc.ca including your DAT ID number.

Important: The name on your registration must match the name on your government-issued ID. If they don’t match, you will not be allowed to write the exam.

Note that if you selected the wrong dental school to send your official transcript or need to add additional schools after your registration, it will cost $20 for each additional school.

V. What If You Miss the Registration Deadline?

Missing the registration deadline means you’ll have to wait for the next available testing appointment. Since the DAT is only offered a few times per year, this can delay your dental school application as you need to ensure you submit your DAT scores by the deadline for each dental school. If you’re worried about missing out, start planning your registration well in advance and mark all key deadlines in your calendar.

Pro-Tip: Preparing for the DAT can be overwhelming, check out DATCrusher’s guide to how to navigate the day before the Canadian DAT. 

VI. Resources to Help You Register and Prepare

Registering on time is just the first step - the bigger challenge is preparing to do well, and a good start begins with clear preparation. Use resources such as:

1. Study guides, practice tests, and textbooks to review key subjects, such as natural sciences and general chemistry.
2. Online prep courses like DATCrusher, designed specifically for the Canadian DAT
3. Study communities and peer groups to share tips and keep motivated

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. A smooth registration process paired with organized, consistent preparation will set you on the right path toward DAT success!

VII. FAQ

Q: When should I register for the Canadian DAT?

A: Canadian DAT registration is year-round. However, seats at Prometric centres fill quickly, especially in major cities, so early registration gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date and location. 

Q: Can I register late?

A: We recommend that you register as soon as possible and write the DAT 8 weeks before scores are needed.

Q: What happens if I enter the wrong information?

A: If you make an error, such as a typo in your name or date of birth, you must request a correction at least two weeks before your test date by emailing dat@cda-adc.ca with your DAT ID number. Remember, if your ID does not match your registration, you won’t be allowed to write the exam.

Q: Can I transfer my test date?

A: To reschedule a testing appointment, contact www.Prometric.com not your local Prometric test centre, at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Note that there are re-scheduling fees.