The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is the first of many tests you will encounter on your journey through dental school. Since U.S. undergraduate schools vary slightly in their predental curricula, the DAT serves as a standard of comparison for all applicants.
Read the DAT Guide: The DAT Guide is available through ADA here.
Get Familiar with the Four DAT Sections: Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), Reading Comprehension , Quantitative Reasoning
Find Your Study Approach: Some students take a prep course or use a prep book. Depending on your course, you may receive a review textbook, flashcards and access to simulated tests. Using a resource like that can help you focus on highly yield material and concepts that often show up on the exam. Make flashcards and practice recalling information quickly. While it is tempting, avoid wasting time studying concepts you already know. Focus your energy on the areas where you are weak and consistently missing questions.
Get a DENTPIN®: The DENTPIN® is a unique personal identifier for applicants and students involved with the U.S. dental education system and standardized testing programs. You must obtain or retrieve a DENTPIN® from the ADA before proceeding with your DAT application. You must also obtain the DENTPIN to apply for admission to a dental school.
Schedule Your Test: Most students complete the DAT during junior year or shortly afterwards. On the other hand, taking the DAT later in your college career may be advantageous since you may be further exposed to relevant information, especially if you continue to take advanced science courses.
Test Day: Know where your testing site is located and how long it takes to get there. Arrive early and bring two forms of ID, including one government-issued photo ID. At the midway point in the exam, you will be offered a break. Take it!
Test Limit & Retakes: Dental school applications are not typically processed until they are complete, including DAT scores. If you have to retake the exam, you will have to wait 90 days. Take the exam early enough to allow sufficient time to improve your DAT if necessary. This is especially important because it is advantageous to have all materials submitted to AADSAS as early in the application cycle as possible. Also, you cannot take the DAT more than three times.
