Dental Admission Test (DAT)
General Info
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Can be taken up to 3 times with a min of 90 days between each. Schools receive all past and current scores.
Can be taken on the computer virtually any day of the year preferably during the spring before applying.
You can submit your AADSAS application before taking the DAT if needed so don’t delay your AADSAS!
Offered by ADA & administered by Thompson Prometrics (Montgomery & Wyoming)
Answers to most common questions about DAT available at http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp.
Test Battery
Section
Computer Tutorial
Survey of Natural Sciences
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
Break
Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)
Quantitative Reasoning Test (QRT)
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Details
Optional
Bio: 40 questions
Chem: 30 questions
O-Chem: 30 questions
Six Sections with 15
questions each
Optional
Three passages w/
approx 17 ques. each
No Calculator, Scratch
Paper is provided.
Material from
N/A
Bio 201 – 204
Chem 121, 122
Chem 301, 302
N/A
N/A
N/A
Algebra, Trig.
Geometry, Statistics,
No Physics
Time / Questions
Up to 15 minutes
90 mins / 100 questions
(54 sec. each)
60 mins / 90 questions
(40 sec. each)
Up to 15 minutes
60 mins / 50 questions
(20 mins / passage)
45 mins / 40 questions
(1.1 min. each)
Mean
Median
N/A
Bio: 17.2
Chem: 17.2
O-Chem:17.0
N/A
Bio: 17
Chem: 17
O-Chem: 17
PAT: 16.4
PAT: 17
N/A
N/A
RCT: 18.9
RCT: 19
QRT: 16.3
QRT: 16
Lasts up to 4.75 hours consisting of 280 equally weighted, multiple choice questions (no penalty for guessing)
Not scored on a raw %. Uses a standard score of 0 – 30. See Raw  Std. conversion charts at www.ada.org.
Avoid any score under 17. Shoot for 20 or higher on all sections to stand out among applicants.
Schools receive scores for each individual section plus a “Total Science Average” and “Academic Average”
Registering and Preparing for the DAT
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Use DAT Examinee Guide at www.ada.org for reference.
1st: Register for the DAT with the ADA at www.ada.org. Registration is valid for 1 year only. ADA sends
you a confirmation letter after approx 3 weeks including info needed to schedule with Thompson Prometrics.
2nd: Schedule a date & time with Thompson Prometrics over phone or at www.prometric.com.
Test Costs $175 and includes a score report to 5 schools. Each additional school is $25.
4-8 weeks preparation is recommended for most people.
Learn Computer Format of Test with free online tutorial at www.ada.org.
Tested topics are quite specific so use prepared study guides instead of Textbooks.
Take several computerized practice tests before the live DAT! Pacing and format familiarity are essential.
DAT Preparation Resources
1. ADA Paper Practice DAT at www.ada.org (free)
2. Kaplan Paper Diagnostic Practice DAT (free)
3. Kaplan Online or Classroom Course (approx $1,300 – discounts available)
4. Course Saver (Chad’s Videos) (approx. $90 for 3 months)
5. Kaplan Study Book w/ 1 Paper and 1 Computerized Practice DAT (approx $70)
6. Barron’s Study Book w/ 2 Paper Practice DAT’s (approx $40)
7. TopScore w/ 3 Computerized DAT’s & 85 page Study Guide at www.datreview.com (approx $50)
8. www.datbootcamp.com w/ 5 Computerized Practice DAT’s (approx $100)
9. DAT Destroyer Study Guide at www.orgoman.com (approx $150)
Taking the Test
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Read ADA Candidates guide carefully and visit test site once before test day!
Be sure to Pace effectively! Ask question – where is the next, easiest point?
Scores are printed and provided to you immediately. Schools receive scores directly 3 weeks later.
Updated: September 2013