How to Reschedule DAT Exam

Deciding whether to reschedule the DAT is a common dilemma pre-dental students face. Whether it’s due to study setbacks, personal circumstances, or unexpected conflicts with your testing appointment, knowing when and how to make that decision can protect both your performance and your application timeline.

In this article, we’ll walk through the most common reasons students choose to reschedule the Dental Admission Test, how the process works, and what to consider before changing your test date.

I. Studying Obstacles

After scheduling the Dental Admission Test and receiving your six-month eligibility window, most students create a study plan built around their desired test date. However, work, school, or family responsibilities can interfere with that plan and leave you feeling rushed.

When deciding whether to reschedule the DAT, consider the following:

• Whether there is enough time to move your scheduled appointment
• Whether alternative dates are available at your preferred test center
• Whether additional study time will actually improve performance
• Whether you have the energy to make meaningful progress studying longer than expected

If you are only slightly behind and can realistically catch up before your desired test date, pushing forward may be reasonable. However, if you are consistently missing study goals and feel unprepared to take the DAT, rescheduling may be the smarter choice.

Taking the exam too early can result in lower DAT scores, which may require additional testing attempts later and delay your dental school plans.

II. Personal Circumstances

Sometimes the need to reschedule has nothing to do with your studying. Illness, mental health concerns, family emergencies, or unforeseen events can all interfere with your ability to perform well on exam day.

In these situations, prioritizing your health is more important than forcing yourself to take the DAT when you are not ready. The DAT is a long, high-endurance exam, and being in the right mental and physical state is essential for success.

Rescheduling your testing appointment allows you to enter the exam calm, focused, and confident, conditions that significantly improve performance and lead to DAT scores that better reflect your true ability.

III. The Cost of Rescheduling Your Testing Appointment

The cost to cancel or reschedule your testing appointment depends on how many business days in advance you notify the testing center.

Here is how the DAT rescheduling fees break down under the DAT retest policy:

• 30 or more business days before your scheduled exam: $50
• 5-29 business days before the exam: $70
• 1-4 business days prior to your exam: $150
• Less than 1 business day prior, late arrival, or failure to appear: full exam fee forfeited

Because of this, it’s critical to act early if you believe you need to reschedule. Always confirm changes to your scheduled appointment and save the confirmation notification once the update is processed.

If an emergency prevents you from attending your exam, you must contact Testing Services through the American Dental Association Department of Testing Services within five business days of the scheduled appointment.

IV. Contacting Testing Services and the ADA

In emergency situations, the American Dental Association DAT retest policy states that you must contact Testing Services directly. This is especially important if circumstances arise within a business day prior to your scheduled exam.

You can reach the American Dental Association Department of Testing Services via:

• Email: testingproblems@ada.org
• Phone: 800-232-1694

Prompt communication improves your chances of preserving your DAT program eligibility and avoiding unnecessary fees.

V. Still Unsure Whether to Reschedule the DAT?

If rescheduling is an option within your eligibility window, pushing your exam back a few weeks may allow you to solidify weak areas, improve practice test performance, and approach your test date with confidence.

Extra preparation time often leads to stronger DAT scores, fewer future testing attempts, and a smoother dental school application process overall. Taking the DAT when you feel prepared, rather than when you feel rushed, can make a meaningful difference in your ability to achieve a high score.

While no one ever feels 100% ready, feeling organized, confident, and mentally prepared is a strong indicator that it’s time to sit for the exam.

VI. Final Thoughts

Choosing whether to reschedule the DAT is a personal decision that depends on preparation, circumstances, and timing. Making a thoughtful choice can protect your testing appointment, save money, and improve your chances of being admitted to the dental school of your dreams.

If rescheduling gives you the clarity and confidence you need to perform at your best, it’s often the right call to make.