The Dental Admissions Test, or DAT, is required by most dental schools as a part of the application process. If you're concerned about the process, read on to learn how to take the Dental Admissions Test.
The Dental Admissions Test, or DAT, is required by most dental schools as a part of the application process. If you're concerned about the process, read on to learn how to take the Dental Admissions Test.
Introduction
- The Dental Admissions Test has been administered for over 60 years. The content of the test has evolved over the years, and now includes assessment of science knowledge, reasoning skills, reading comprehension, and spatial sense. All U.S. dental schools require applicants to submit scores from the Dental Admissions Test.
Step 1: Register for the DAT

- Before registering for the DAT, you need to read the DAT Guide, which contains the rules and regulations which govern the test. As part of registration, you need to confirm that you've read the guide and agree to the rules it includes.
- Applications for the test are done online, and need to include the test fee, which is $205 in 2009.
- Your application should include a list of the schools that you'd like your scores sent to.
Step 2: Prepare for the DAT
- You can prepare for the test by taking a formal test prep class, or using books and software as part of a self-study program. The American Dental Association's website includes some sample DAT questions.
Step 3: Take the DAT
- The Dental Admissions Test is a computer administered test that consists of four sections:
- The Survey of Natural Sciences section consists of 100 test questions that cover biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. The student has 90 minutes to complete the section.
- The Perceptual Ability test measures spatial skills with 90 questions in 60 minutes.
- The Reading Comprehension section includes three passages with 50 questions over 60 minutes.
- The Quantitative Reasoning test consists of 40 questions in 45 minutes.
