How Is the DAT Scored?

If you're pursuing a career in dentistry, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a critical hurdle in the dental school admissions process. Given how competitive dental school has become, a strong DAT score can significantly set you apart from other applicants. Naturally, questions like "What score should I aim for?", "How is the DAT scored now?", and "What is the average DAT score?" will cross your mind. This guide answers all of those questions using the new 2025 DAT scoring system.

I. Understanding the New DAT Scoring System

How Is the DAT Scored on the New 200-600 Scale?

As of March 1, 2025, the DAT began using a 200–600 new scoring scale with 10-point increments, replacing the previous 1–30 scale. Each section receives an individual scaled score, as well as combined scores such as the Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS). This updated scoring system provides a standardized way to report DAT performance and to compare scores across different exam variations.

How Does DAT Scoring Work?

The DAT is a standardized test composed of multiple sections: Biology (BIO), General Chemistry (GC), Organic Chemistry (OC), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Reading Comprehension (RC), and Perceptual Ability Test (PAT).

In addition to individual scores for each section, you'll receive:

• Academic Average (AA): The average of five section scores (BIO, GC, OC, RC, QR). Note: PAT is not included in the AA.
• Total Science (TS): Based on your overall score in the three science sections (BIO, GC, OC).

Raw Scores vs. Scaled Scores

Your raw score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly and is then converted to a scaled score, which is the standardized score reported on your DAT and allows the scores to be compared across different test forms.          

Why Are DAT Scores Equated

Raw-to-scaled score conversion tables are no longer published. Score equating is used to maintain fairness across different exam administrations by accounting for variations in test difficulty across different test forms. This helps to ensure that scores are comparable, even if one version of the DAT is slightly more difficult than another.

With the above being said, the American Dental Association will release a DAT User Manual every year that compiles an average percentile for all the tests taken in that given year. Once released, test takers will be able to see how well they scored along with other data, such as the average scores for all sections, corresponding percentiles and even demographics. The DAT user manual does not lag by a couple of years anymore. The American Dental Association now publishes a new up-to-date manual every year, with the most recent version being the 2025 manual, reflecting any scoring or procedure updates.

II. DAT Score Reports and Averages

Understanding DAT Score Types

The DAT score report includes combined scores of the Academic Average (AA), Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), and Total Science (TS). The report provides different scores to help dental schools evaluate a candidate’s performance across different sections of the exam.

Academic Average (AA)

The Academic Average (AA) represents the average performance across five DAT sections: Biology (BIO), General Chemistry (GC), Organic Chemistry (OC), Reading Comprehension (RC), and Quantitative Reasoning (QR). The AA does not include the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT). Since the AA is calculated using multiple sections, understanding how the DAT Academic Average is calculated can help you better understand how your performance in each section contributes to your overall score. Because the AA provides a broad overview of your academic performance, dental schools often use it as one of the key factors when evaluating your DAT score.

Total Science (TS)

The Total Science (TS) score represents overall performance across the three science sections of the DAT: Biology (BIO), General Chemistry (GC), and Organic Chemistry (OC). Dental schools monitor the TS score because it provides a combined measure of your science knowledge across the core science sections of the exam.

Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)

The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) is reported as its own individual score on the report. It measures skills related to spatial reasoning and visual perception through the 6 subsections which include: Keyholes, Top Front End (TFE), Angle Ranking, Hole Punching, Cube counting, and Pattern Folding. The PAT score is separate from the Academic Average and provides dental schools with additional information about a student’s perceptual abilities.

Does PAT Count Toward the Academic Average?

No, the PAT score is not included in the Academic Average (AA) calculation. The Academic Average is calculated using five sections: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Although PAT does not contribute to the AA, it still remains an important part of the DAT.

What Is the Average DAT Score?

Prior to reading this, you may have already visited a couple of websites to look for what the average DAT score is. Most websites give an average of 17-18 (~400 on the new scale) but without a source, it is tough to completely trust those numbers. In this post, we will use trusted sources such as the ADA to give you the most accurate picture of what the average DAT score is.

As stated previously, the DAT User Manual will contain all the statistics and percentiles that you are looking for. According to the most recent version of the manual, the average AA of test takers in 2025 was a 400 (~19 on the old scale), which is approximately 50th percentile on the new 200-600 score scale.

The user manual also details the averages for the years 1988, 2011 and 2016, which were 15.53, 18.22 and 18.71 respectively. As you can see, the average DAT score is on a clear rise over the years and the average for 2025 is nearly a 19 in the old scale. While we may have noticed a small dip during (COVID-19), we can still estimate that the average DAT scores will continue to be around 400 or higher for the following years.

III. DAT Scores in Dental Admissions

What Is a Competitive DAT Score for Dental School?

A competitive DAT score will vary depending on the dental school and the strength of a candidate's overall application. To better understand what is considered a good DAT score, it is usually around a 20–21 (410–430 on the new scale), while a competitive score is typically a 22 or higher (approximately 440+). 

While most dental schools require at least an 18 (approximately 390-400 on the new scale) for admission, there is no single score that will guarantee acceptance. A higher DAT score, especially in the Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS) sections, will help to show strong academic preparation and make an applicant more competitive for various programs. However, dental schools consider DAT scores as part of a holistic admissions process that also includes other factors such as GPA, experiences, letters of recommendation, and interviews, which are used to show a candidate’s readiness for dental school.

How Dental Schools Evaluate DAT Scores

Dental schools evaluate DAT scores as part of the overall application. While the Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS) scores provide a summary of overall performance, admissions committees might also review individual section scores to evaluate performance in specific areas. 

For example, schools may compare performance across the science, perceptual ability, and reading or quantitative reasoning  sections to gain a more detailed understanding of a candidate's strengths and weaknesses. Individual scores also help the admissions committee identify if there is consistency across all sections.

IV. Improving DAT Performance

How to Improve Your DAT Score Before Retaking

Before retaking the DAT:

• Go through all your section scores to review your previous performance to identify any areas that need improvement.
• Attempt to complete practice tests/reviews daily.
• Evaluate study habits to determine if they need to be adjusted.

Creating a targeted study plan that prioritizes weaker areas while also continuing to review areas of strength can help improve overall performance and ace the exam on your next attempt. To help with creating an effective study plan, Booster Prep offers a DAT performance tracker feature that monitors your progress by section, reviews performance trends, and identifies areas of weakness. It also provides predictions for your scores across all sections, your Academic Average and percentile rank. This allows for a more targeted approach to improving your DAT score.

V. Final Thoughts

While dental schools consider your application holistically, the DAT remains one of the most important academic metrics. Many programs have minimum score requirements or use DAT scores as a primary screening factor. Within the updated 200–600 scale, understanding how your score compares nationally is key. With the right strategy and study tools, achieving a high score is realistic - and can greatly strengthen your application!

VI. FAQ

Q: What is the DAT scoring scale?

A: The DAT is scored on a 200–600 scale, in 10-point increments. Each section has an individual score, along with combined scores such as the Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS).

Q: What is the DAT scoring scale?

A: Your raw score, the number of questions you answer correctly, is converted into a scaled score, which is the final score reported on your DAT. This conversion will adjust for differences in test difficulty between different DAT versions.

Q: What is considered an average DAT score?

A: An average DAT score is approximately 400, which roughly corresponds to a 17–18 on the previous 1–30 scale.

Q: Does the PAT score count toward the Academic Average?

A: No, the PAT score is not included in the Academic Average (AA) and is reported separately on the DAT score report.

Q: How do dental schools evaluate DAT scores?

A: Dental schools review DAT scores by evaluating the AA, TS, and individual section scores, as part of the overall admissions process alongside factors such as GPA, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation.