How Many Times Can You Take the DAT?

I. Whether You're Curious or Retaking After a Low Score

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a major stepping stone for aspiring dentists, but many test takers don’t achieve their goal score on the first try. Whether you haven’t taken the DAT and are curious, or preparing for your next attempt, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about taking the DAT multiple times. We’ll cover the technical aspects as well as the pros and cons of taking the DAT more than once, so you can have all the tools to make an informed decision. 

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive overview of the exam itself, check out BoosterPrep’s What is on the DAT Article.

II. How Often Can You Take the DAT?

The American Dental Association (ADA), which administers the Dental Admission Test, allows students to take the DAT up to three times without special permission. After three testing attempts, you’ll need to apply for approval and provide proof that you applied to dental school recently without success.

You must also wait 90 days between each test date. Although this rule can seem inconvenient, it ensures you have time to reflect on your previous attempt, review your DAT scores, and refine your strategy before your second attempt. Use our realistic practice tests and tailored strategies in your DAT preparation during this waiting period to help ensure you achieve a higher average score.

Remember, your first three tries are guaranteed, but after that you will need permission to test again which depends on ADA approval. This is why it is so important to make each attempt count.

III. Benefits of Taking the DAT More Than Once

Score Improvement Potential

The potential to improve your score is the main advantage of a retake, and can make all the difference in your application. Admissions committees typically look at your highest DAT score, which means a strong performance can outweigh previous lower scores. How dental schools evaluate multiple attempts can vary, however, so make sure to check the specific policies of your target schools. Many students see improvement in areas like Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension once they’ve had more time to prepare.

Even small improvements in your Academic Average can boost your competitiveness at schools that use hard cutoffs. For example, raising your AA by 30 points from a 390 to 420 may expand your options dramatically and secure your spot at your target dental school.

For an in-depth look on raising your score, check out this guide on How to improve DAT scores.

Strategic Retakes for Competitiveness

For highly selective programs, a retake can be the difference between “good enough” and “outstanding.” Strengthening weaker areas like Perceptual Ability or Natural Sciences can help align your DAT scores with what top schools are looking for.

This is also true for applicants considering options outside of the United States. For example, Canadian dental schools require higher DAT thresholds in general as there are fewer seats overall. As such, improving your score only strengthens your application, no matter where you’re applying.

A retake isn’t just about bringing up lower sections, but showing growth. If your second attempt demonstrates stronger performance across multiple sections, it can show schools that you are determined and ready for the rigors of dental school.

IV. Potential Downsides to Multiple Attempts

Application Perception

While most committees focus on your best results, they will still see all your DAT scores. A few testing attempts with steady improvement is usually seen as persistence and growth, however, too many tries without progress may raise concerns about readiness.

The key is an upward trend: showing clear improvement with each test date communicates that you’re learning from the process. Schools want applicants who adapt and get better rather than repeat the same mistakes.

Make sure you thoroughly understand How to Prep for a DAT Retake so you can be the student who impresses dental schools with your progress.

Time and Cost

Every retake comes with a cost, financially and logistically. The DAT fee is several hundred dollars, not including travel to Prometric test centers. With limited test centers in some areas, securing your desired test date can also be stressful.

Beyond money, retakes require significant time commitment. Preparing sufficiently often means investing in and utilizing better study materials and practice tests, while balancing everything else on your plate. DATBooster’s adjustable study schedules and high-yield practice questions can help you do just that, providing an efficient and simplified way to prepare for and crush a retake. Be aware, though, that too many attempts can push back your application timeline. If you don’t plan carefully, this could cause you to submit your application later than optimal and possibly cause you to miss dental school deadlines.

V. FAQ

Q: Can the DAT be taken more than once?

A: Yes. Students can take the DAT up to three times without approval. After that, additional testing attempts require permission from the American Dental Association.

See this guide on When to Start Studying for the DAT so you can plan your attempts and give yourself the best chance of success, with the opportunity to retake if necessary.

Q: How many people take the DAT?

A: Each year, over 12,000 prospective dental students register to take the DAT. Many of them sit for the exam more than once, so retaking is a natural part of the journey to dental school.

VI. Final Thoughts

Retaking the DAT doesn’t have to be a setback; it can be a chance to build a stronger application. If you use each attempt wisely, review your score reporting, and focus on weak areas like Organic Chemistry or Reading Comprehension, your hard work will pay off.
At the end of the day, schools care about your highest Academic Average and the progress shown across multiple attempts. By carefully planning your study, using high quality resources like DATBooster’s practice tests, and making the most of every DAT attempt, you’ll give yourself the best chance to succeed.
Whether it takes one try or a few, with intentional preparation, you can achieve the score that opens the doors to your dream dental school.