TestTakingCentral.com - Free test taking tips

DAT Test

If you want to attend dental school, you will need to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) given by the American Dental Association. All dental schools in the United States require that applicants take the DAT test as part of the admissions process.

You cannot pass or fail the DAT test, but admissions panels will use your DAT test score in combination with your academic performance and experience to determine if you will be granted admission to their dental school.

Eligibility requirements. To be eligible to take the DAT test, you must have completed at least one year of collegiate education, which should include courses in biology and general and organic chemistry. An additional requirement is that if you have already taken the DAT test three or more times, you must apply for permission to retest.

DAT test format. The DAT test is a computerized, multiple-choice exam that takes about four and a half hours to complete. The umbrella term “DAT” actually refers to four subtests: the survey of natural sciences, the perceptual ability test, the reading comprehension test, and the quantitative reasoning test.

DAT test scoring. Your final DAT scores will be reported to dental schools in standard form (rather than raw scores or percentile equivalents), with scores ranging from 1 to 30. An average score is 17.

Preparation. Studying for the DAT test should be a high priority in the months before your scheduled exam. There are many DAT study guides available online and for purchase.  You should make an effort to go through a DAT study guide several times before your exam appointment. Make an effort to work on practice questions and review the ones you missed.

• DAT Test Tips