We have the answers to your questions about the content, structure and the types of questions you'll see on the the DAT, as well as the costs and when to take the exam. Dental school is the next
step and we have many resources to help you begin the process.
Common Questions about the DAT
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is accepted by 66 dental schools in the U.S. and 10
in Canada. It is designed to provide dental education programs with a means to assess
applicants’ potential for success. The test takes 4.5 hours to complete and is offered
year round by Prometric test centers in the United States, its territories (including
Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) and Canada.
Take the DAT exam in the spring of your junior year of undergrad study, or in the
summer between your junior and senior years. Submit your application 60 to 90 days
before you intend to take the exam.
Start by reading the official DAT Candidate Guide, which explains:
How the exam is constructed and scored
How to prepare for the exam
Eligibility requirements
Fees and waivers
How to schedule, reschedule, or cancel testing
Once you have read the Guide, apply for the exam with your DENTPIN. Your DENTPIN acts
as your unique identifier. If you have not previously applied to a dental program,
request your DENTPIN.
After your application has been processed, you will receive an eligibility letter
that permits you to schedule your testing appointment.
All U.S. and Canadian dental schools require their applicants to take the DAT as part
of the admission process. Each school uses its own criteria to determine how to weigh
DAT results as part of admission decisions.
Prospective dental students should take the DAT during the second semester of their
junior undergraduate year, or during the summer between junior and senior years. Make
sure you have taken the subjects covered by the test, especially organic chemistry.
The DAT consists of multiple-choice questions presented in English, and includes a
battery of four tests:
Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 items)
Perceptual Ability (90 items)
Reading Comprehension (50 items)
Quantitative Reasoning (40 items)
The DAT is offered year-round at Prometric Test Centers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Once you have received your eligibility letter confirming that your test application
has been accepted, you must contact Prometric to secure an appointment. We recommend
doing this at least 60 to 90 days before your desired test date, since schedules fill
up.Visit the Prometric site to find a testing site near you, see procedures updated for COVID-19, and schedule your test.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment due to an emergency please contact
the Department of Testing Services by emailingtestingproblems@ada.orgor calling 800.232.1694.
You can reach the Department of Testing Services at: American Dental Association Department of Testing Services