DAT

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized test required of applicants to DMD or DDS programs. The DAT consists of multiple-choice test items and requires four hours and 15 minutes for administration. The four separate parts of the exam cover:

Content:

  • Natural sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry)
    • 100 questions, 90 minutes
  • Perceptual ability (two- and three- dimensional problem-solving): 
    • 90 questions, 60 minutes
  • Reading comprehension (dental and basic science): 
    • 50 questions, 60 minutes
  • Quantitative reasoning (mathematical problems in algebra, numerical calculations, conversions, etc.): 
    • 40 questions, 45 minutes

Additional Information about the DAT:

  • General information about the DAT can be found on the American Dental Association (ADA) website. 
  • The ADA publishes an Annual Candidate Guide with specific information for test takers.
  • The American Dental Association (ADA) regularly publishes updates that concern the DAT on their website.
  • The ADA also prepares general statistics about test-takers that can be helpful as you reflect on your overall preparation and interpret your scores. Their Examinee Information publication presents such statistics.