DAT 2025 Guide: Exam Structure, Scoring, and How to Register

What is the DAT

The Dental Admission Test is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam used by accredited dental programs in the United States. Canadian schools use a similar exam administered by the CDA. Schools read your DAT alongside GPA, experiences, and references to evaluate readiness for a demanding curriculum.

Why it matters

Admissions committees rely on the DAT to compare academic foundations across applicants. Strong section scores, especially Academic Average and Total Science, can balance a mid-range GPA and keep more schools in play.

Exam structure at a glance

Survey of Natural Sciences 100 questions
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) 90 questions
Reading Comprehension 50 questions
Quantitative Reasoning 40 questions

Looking for a pre-dental internship or dental elective abroad? Inquire here.

Survey of Natural Sciences

Biology cell and molecular biology, genetics, evolution and ecology, diversity of life, systems
General Chemistry stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, redox, atomic structure, periodic trends, lab skills
Organic Chemistry reactions and mechanisms, stereochemistry, spectroscopy and lab techniques, nomenclature, aromaticity, acid base

Perceptual Ability Test

Assesses spatial reasoning through keyholes, top front end views, angle ranking, hole punching, cube counting, and pattern folding. Practice builds speed and accuracy.

Reading Comprehension

Three science passages. Questions test reasoning, evidence use, and structure. No prior topic knowledge is required.

Quantitative Reasoning

Algebra, data analysis, quantitative comparison, probability and statistics, and applied word problems. An on-screen basic calculator is provided.

Scoring explained

Each section is scaled 1 to 30.
You receive individual section scores plus Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS) at the test center.
National mean is around the high teens. Use that as context, not a target.

What is a good DAT score

Targets depend on school lists and GPA.

14–16 below target for most programs
17–18 near the national mean, workable with a higher GPA and strong experiences
19–20 competitive at many schools
21–23 strong for selective programs
24–30 exceptional

Registration and eligibility

Create your DENTPIN with the American Dental Association.
Apply to test in your ADA account, pay the published fee, and watch for your eligibility email.
Schedule with Prometric using your eligibility number, then choose date, time, and location.
Bring valid ID on test day that matches your registration details.

Policies on fees, reschedules, and identification can change. Always confirm current rules on ADA and Prometric before you book.

How long is the DAT

Total administration is about five hours, including an optional tutorial and optional break. Plan full-length practice under standard timing to build stamina.

Smart prep in five steps

Draft a realistic timeline eight to twelve weeks full time, twelve to sixteen weeks part time.
Master fundamentals first content review before speed.
Rotate practice styles untimed for method, timed for pacing, mixed sets for stamina.
Keep an error log by subtopic. Revisit misses twice until fixed.
Simulate test day at least three full-length exams with the same break plan you will use.

FAQs

#1. Do all U.S. dental schools require the DAT?

Yes, accredited U.S. programs expect a DAT score.

#2. Can I retake the DAT?

Yes. There is a required wait period between attempts and limits within a year. Check ADA policy and your application deadlines before scheduling.

#3. Is PAT important?

Yes. Many schools value PAT as evidence of spatial skills that support preclinical work.

#4. Is one weak section fatal?

Not always. Balanced AA and TS with one lower section can still be admissible, especially with a strong GPA and experiences.

Boost your overall profile with real clinical exposure

Looking to pair your DAT plan with patient-facing clinical experience? Explore our dental internships abroad:

Ready to plan your dates Start at goelective.com/apply

Article Details

Travel with us.
Inquire Today!

Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.