What is the DAT?

I. What Is the DAT?

Thinking about applying to dental school? Then the Dental Admission Test (DAT) will be a key step in your journey. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: from what the DAT is, how it’s scored, and how to prepare for it effectively so you can walk into test day with confidence.

II. Overview of the DAT

The Dental Admission Test, or DAT, is a standardized exam required by most dental schools in the United States and Canada. It’s administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and plays a major role in the admissions process, giving dental schools a quantitative comparison for prospective dental students.

The DAT evaluates your understanding of scientific concepts and your ability to handle the rigor of dental school curriculum. Dental schools rely on your DAT scores, along with your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal statement, to assess your readiness.

III. Structure of the DAT Exam

The Dental Admission Test is divided into four main sections:

1. Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS)

•  100 questions total
  • 40 for Biology and 30 for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
• Time: 90 minutes
• Pace: ~54 seconds per question

This Survey of Natural Sciences makes up the bulk of your academic average, so careful preparation is key. This section tests your understanding of natural sciences concepts and ability to apply them. Studying high-yield topics is critical here, and DATBooster is specifically designed to mirror the questions and concepts you’ll encounter on test day.

2. Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)

• 90 questions total
  • 15 for each of the following sections, Keyhole, Top-Front-End, Angle Ranking, Hole Punching, Cube Counting and Pattern Folding
• Time: 60 minutes
• Pace: 40 seconds per question

Unlike the other sections, the perceptual ability portion tests spatial reasoning and 3D visualization, not academic knowledge. It’s unique to the Dental Admission Test and is often the most difficult section for students. PATBooster is the most DAT-like PAT resource available and will equip you with the spatial skills, strategies and speed so you turn it from a weakness to a strength.

3. Reading Comprehension (RC)

• 60 questions
• Time: 60 minutes
• Pace: 1 minute per question

Here you will be challenge to read dense scientific passages and answer inference-based questions. Strategies are everything for the reading comprehension section, and DATBooster’s resources including tailored Reading Strategies so you can find the the right strategy to ace this section.

4. Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

• 40 questions
• Time: 45 minutes
• Pace: ~68 seconds per question

The Quantitative Reasoning test includes algebra, conversions, data analysis, and word problems. Exposure to the types of questions that will be asked is essential for success, and Booster’s highly representative Daily Question Bank offers the repetition you need to feel confident.

IV. Scoring System and What a Good Score Means

Your DAT score is one of the most important pieces of your dental school application. While a strong score can make up for a lower GPA, a low score can weaken even an excellent application.  

Competitive DAT Score Ranges:

• Average for applicants admitted to dental school: 430
• Competitive: 450+
• Top-tier schools: 490+

If your score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry, you can always retake the DAT. The key is strategic and focused preparation. To better understand what each score range means for your application, check out What is a Good DAT Score.

Thousands of students use DATBooster for a reason. It’s affordable, efficient, and specifically built to help you master every section of the DAT.

V. How the DAT Is Scored

As of March 2025, the Dental Admission Test now uses a scaled scoring system that ranges from 120 to 600, replacing the old scoring system that was out of 30. This applies to both your Academic Average and individual section scores.

Your Academic Average (AA) is the mean of five sections (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning, but the Perceptual Ability Test is excluded). You’ll also receive a Total Science (TS) score based on your scores on the three science sections.

What Do Percentile Ranks Mean?

Your percentile rank shows how you performed compared to other test-takers:

• A 400 puts you in the 50th percentile
• A 430 typically falls around the 75th percentile
• A 470+ will place you in about the 90th percentile or higher

Percentile ranks give schools insight into how competitive your score is compared to the national pool.

VI. Who Should Take the DAT?

You should take the Dental Admission Test if you plan to apply to dental school in the U.S. or Canada, with Canada offering a version different than that of the U.S. Most students take it between their sophomore and junior year of college, ideally after completing:

• Biology I & II
• General Chemistry I & II
• Organic Chemistry I & II

When to Start Studying for the DAT

Starting your DAT prep 6–9 months before you apply for dental school gives you enough time to study thoroughly and retake if needed.

Booster Prep’s study guide recommends choosing a test date at least 3 months before your application is due, giving you time to submit your scores and adjust if necessary.

How to Register for the DAT

You can register for the Dental Admission Test on the ADA’s website where you can create a Dentpin and submit a request to take the exam. Once you receive approval, you can select your desired test date and testing center. The Dental Admission Test is offered year round, with test centers found throughout the US and Canada. Read our complete DAT registration guide here.

VII. Preparing for the DAT

Here’s how to approach DAT prep the right way:

1. Start With a Plan

Create a study schedule based on how much time you have before your test date. DATBooster offers built-in study schedules for 8, 10, or 12 weeks.

2. Use High-Quality Practice Tests

Realistic practice is the key to mastering timing and endurance. DATBooster’s full-length exams simulate the real test, providing valuable exposure to the Perceptual Ability Test and other sections, helping you evaluate where you are.

3. Prioritize High-Yield Topics

Focus on frequently tested concepts first. DATBooster clearly marks these with helpful explanations, videos, and cheat sheets.

4. Track Your Progress

Use Data-driven insights to identify weak areas such as those offered by DATBooster to see your growth. Improving in classically difficult sections such as Organic Chemistry can feel slow, but tracking your progress can show you how far you’ve come.

5. Don’t Neglect Mindset

Test anxiety and burnout are real. Bringing up your score in difficult sections such as organic chemistry or perceptual ability can feel impossible, but it’s not. Give yourself breaks and focus on building confidence, not just reviewing content.

Explore our top tips for how to improve DAT scores in this article.

VIII. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not giving yourself enough time to review the material: Using spaced repetition will help you retain information much better than cramming.
2. Skimping on the Perceptual Ability Test: Don’t underestimate this section. It’s not intuitive without practice.
3. Not taking practice tests: Your endurance and timing matter just as much as your knowledge.
4. Ignoring analytics: Use practice test results to refine your study focus, whether you need to spend more time on Organic Chemistry mechanisms or reading comprehension.
5. Wasting precious time performing calculations on the general chemistry or quantitative reasoning sections: Make sure to practice solving DAT questions without a calculator.

IX. FAQ

Q: What is the cost of the DAT?

A: The DAT costs $540, which includes official score reporting to all schools you select at registration.

Q: How long is the DAT score valid?

A: DAT scores are valid for 2–3 years, depending on the school. Remember to check your target schools for their specific criteria.

Q: Can you retake the DAT? How often?

A: Yes. You can retake the DAT 90 days after your previous test date. Unlike other standardized tests, the DAT is offered year-round, so the only consideration is when you took your last test.

Q: Is the DAT hard?

A: Yes, but it’s absolutely manageable with the right preparation. It’s not just about knowing science, but about endurance, reasoning, and using the right strategies.

Q: How many hours should I study for the DAT?

A: Most students study between 250–400 hours over the course of 8–12 weeks, depending on their academic background and other commitments.

X. Final Thoughts: You've Got This

The DAT is challenging, but with structure, consistency, and the right tools, you can ensure your success. This exam can be the gateway to a fulfilling career in dentistry, making it a worthwhile investment of your time and energy.

If you’re ready to crush the DAT, join thousands of students using DATBooster to get into their dream dental schools, starting with the right prep.