What is on the DAT?
I. Introduction
Introduction
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized 5-hour and 15-minute exam administered by the American Dental Association, required for dental school admission. The exam is offered year-round and is scored on a scaled scoring system ranging from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments, with 600 being the highest score. If you are still in search of the best way to study for the DAT, check out the study guide on how to prepare for the DAT. In this article, we will focus on what is on the DAT, including the exam sections, question formats, and specific topics covered.
To learn more about how the DAT is scored, check out our article on this topic here. If you are taking the Canadian DAT, keep in mind that the format of the Canadian DAT is different from the American DAT. Below is a breakdown of the American DAT format, including the types of questions you can expect and the content areas tested in each section. Also, make sure you know how to register for the DAT and regularly check for updates from the AADSAS website.
Exam Overview
While the Dental Admission Test (DAT) takes five hours and fifteen minutes in total including optional tutorials and breaks, the actual testing time is 4 hours and 15 minutes across four sections: The Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Section | Time Allocated | Number of Questions | Topics Covered | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Optional Tutorial | 15 minutes | — | — | |
Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS) | 90 minutes | 100 questions | 40 |
|
30 Chemistry |
| |||
30 Chemistry |
| |||
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) | 60 minutes | 90 questions |
| |
Scheduled Break (optional) | 30 minutes | — | — | |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | 60 minutes | 50 questions (three passages) | Dense, scientifically | |
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 45 minutes | 40 questions |
| |
Scheduled Break (optional) | 30 minutes | — | — | |
II. Exam Structure & Topics
DAT Section 1: Survey of Natural Sciences
The Survey of the Natural Sciences (SNS) is the first section of the DAT exam and consists of 100 questions: 40 Biology, 30 General Chemistry, and 30 Organic Chemistry questions completed in 90 minutes. These sections contribute to the Total Science score. To prepare for this section, we highly recommend utilizing DATBooster’s video series and detailed study notes, followed by completing all of DATBooster’s Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry practice tests as they are based on what’s appeared on the DAT in the past. Below is the full list of topics that can be tested in this section. If you would like to get some practice, feel free to take a look at the free DAT practice tests we offer.
Biology Topics
The Biology section covers five major categories:
Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Cell & Molecular Biology | Cellular structures and functions, molecular biology, genetics, biomolecules, metabolism, photosynthesis, enzymology, membrane transport, signal transduction, thermodynamics, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), and experimental cell biology. |
| Diversity of Life | Classification, characteristics, and biology of viruses, archaea, bacteria, fungi, protists, plants, and animals. |
Structure & Function of Systems | Major biological systems, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic/immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary, nervous, sensory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. |
| Genetics & Development | Molecular biology, genetics (classical, human, and chromosomal), along with gene expression, epigenetics, genomics, genetic technology, and developmental mechanisms. |
| Evolution & Ecology | Natural selection, population genetics, speciation, animal behavior, and population, community, and ecosystem ecology. |
General Chemistry Topics
The General Chemistry section covers the following topics:
Category | Topics |
|---|---|
Stoichiometry & Chemical Concepts | Percent composition, empirical and molecular formulas, balancing equations, moles, molar mass, density, and stoichiometric calculations. |
Gases, Liquids, Solids & Solutions | Kinetic molecular theory, gas laws, intermolecular forces, phase changes, vapor pressure, polarity, solution properties, concentration calculations, and colligative properties. |
Acids, Bases & Equilibrium | pH, acid-base strength, Brønsted-Lowry reactions, equilibrium calculations, precipitation equilibria, and Le Châtelier’s principle. |
Thermodynamics & Kinetics | Thermochemistry, thermodynamic laws, Hess’s law, enthalpy, entropy, spontaneity, heat transfer, reaction rates, rate laws, activation energy, and half-life. |
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions | Oxidation numbers, balancing redox equations, electrochemical concepts, and electrochemical calculations. |
Atomic & Molecular Structure | Atomic theory, quantum concepts, electron configurations, orbitals, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, bonding, and subatomic particles. |
| Periodic Properties | Periodic trends, representative and transition elements, and descriptive chemistry. |
| Nuclear Chemistry | Nuclear reactions, balancing nuclear equations, radioactive decay, binding energy, nuclear particles, and related terminology. |
| Laboratory Techniques | Laboratory equipment, experimental methods, safety procedures, error analysis, and data interpretation. |
Organic Chemistry Topics
Here's the recent update of high-yield topics on the Organic Chemistry section:
Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mechanisms | Curved arrow mechanisms, including resonance, proton transfer, addition, elimination, substitution, free radical reactions, rearrangements, Diels–Alder reactions, combined mechanisms, reaction coordinate diagrams, and general mechanistic principles. |
Chemical Synthesis | One-step and multi-step reactions, including substitution, elimination, alkene/alkyne reactions, alcohols, ethers, radicals, aromatics, carbonyl chemistry, and functional group reactivity and selectivity. |
Acid–Base Chemistry | Acidity and basicity trends, including the effects of resonance, charge, electronegativity, size, hybridization, induction, and steric factors, along with equilibrium and product prediction. |
Chemical & Physical Properties | Molecular properties such as polarity, intermolecular forces, solubility, melting and boiling points, laboratory techniques (TLC, extraction, recrystallization, distillation), and spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and multi-spectra analysis). |
Structural Evaluation | Nomenclature and IUPAC rules, stereochemistry, isomers, bonding, resonance, aromaticity, hybridization, orbitals, stability, and reactivity. |
DAT Section 2: Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) of the DAT is a unique section, unlike anything you may have encountered so far. It evaluates visual and spatial reasoning skills needed to interpret two- and three-dimensional objects. You are given 60 minutes to complete 90 perceptual ability questions, which are divided into 6 subcategories listed below.
PAT Question Type | Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| Keyholes | Identifying the correct 3D object from different perspectives |
| Top-Front-End (TFE) | Visualizing 3D objects from orthographic views |
| Angle Ranking | Comparing and ranking angles by size |
| Hole Punching | Visualizing folds and predicting hole locations in paper |
| Cube Counting | Counting and analyzing stacked cubes in 3D structures |
| Pattern Folding | Folding 2D patterns into 3D shapes |
Success on the PAT requires consistent practice to develop speed, accuracy, and spatial visualization skills. Fortunately, the DATBooster team has developed a unique tool called “PAT Generators,” which provides unlimited practice with Perceptual Ability Test questions designed to closely resemble those found on the actual DAT. We highly recommend taking advantage of this software for daily PAT practice.
DAT Section 3: Reading Comprehension
During the RC section, you are given 60 minutes to read three reading passages that are approximately 12-16 paragraphs in length and answer 50 multiple-choice questions. Knowledge of the topics is not required to answer any of the questions since all answers can be inferred from the passages. The key to preparing for the Reading Comprehension section is practicing and finding a strategy that works best for you.
Be sure to take advantage of DATBooster’s Reading Comprehension question banks to start preparing. Furthermore, if you would like to get some full-length Reading Comprehension practice, feel free to take a look at the free DAT practice tests we offer. The section evaluates reading skills such as identifying main ideas, locating key details, interpreting information, making inferences, and analyzing relationships between concepts. Common question types include:
- Detail Questions: Locate specific information stated in the passage.
- Inference Questions: Draw conclusions based on information provided.
- Main Idea Questions: Identify the central theme or purpose of the passage.
- Tone and Organization Questions: Analyze the author’s perspective and passage structure.
- Application Questions: Apply concepts from the passage to new situations.
DAT Section 4: Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section (QR) is the final section of the DAT format. During this section, you are given 45 minutes to complete 40 multiple-choice questions. This section evaluates your ability to solve mathematical problems, interpret data, and apply quantitative reasoning skills. Below is the list of topics that can be tested in this section.
Category | Topics |
|---|---|
Algebra & Mathematical Concepts | Equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation, absolute value, ratios, proportions, and graphical analysis. |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | Data interpretation, data sufficiency, quantitative comparisons, and analyzing numerical information. |
| Probability & Statistics | Probability concepts and basic statistical analysis. |
| Applied Mathematics | Word problems involving real-world applications and quantitative problem solving. |
III. FAQ
What subjects are on the DAT?
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) includes six subtest sections: Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry; Perceptual Ability (PAT); Reading Comprehension (RC) and Quantitative Reasoning (QR).
How many questions are on the DAT?
The DAT consists of 280 multiple-choice questions across four sections: 100 Natural Sciences, 90 Perceptual Ability, 50 Reading Comprehension, and 40 Quantitative Reasoning questions. The science section includes 40 Biology, 30 General Chemistry, and 30 Organic Chemistry questions, which is a major focus for students seeking to improve their Academic Average and overall performance.
Which DAT section is the hardest?
The hardest on the Dental Admission Test depends on one's ability and learning style. However, many DAT test-takers most frequently struggle with BIO, PAT, and QR. Nevertheless, focus on targeted practice tests and full-length practice exams to improve your DAT scores and get used to the exam format towards your test date.
What DAT scores do dental schools look for?
DAT score expectations vary among dental schools. Admissions committees consider DAT scores along with GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statements, and other application materials when evaluating applicants. Dental schools typically look for an average DAT Academic Average (AA) of 420–430, while scores of 470 or higher are highly competitive. Learn more in our guide to what makes a good DAT score.
When should I take the DAT?
Most students take the DAT after completing prerequisite science courses, often during their junior year of college. The ideal time to take the test depends on coursework completion, dental school application timeline, and individual study plans. Since a typical DAT study course requires 200–250 hours, consider starting DAT preparation about six months in advance, depending on your coursework and dental school application timeline. See our guide on when to start studying for the DAT for help planning your schedule.