The Dental Admission Test

All U.S. dental schools require the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), a computer-based, multiple-choice test covering Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Perceptual ability (two- and three-dimensional problem-solving), reading comprehension, and Quantitative reasoning.

DAT scores are reported by the American Dental Association (ADA) as eight standard scores. The first six scores are from the individual tests, i.e., biology, organic chemistry, perceptual ability, etc. The raw score is then converted to a scaled scoring range from 1 (lowest) to 30(highest). Total Science (TS) and Academic Average (AA) are the remaining two scores. Learn more about how the DAT is scored and the average scores of accepted applicants for specific dental schools.

It's important to note that early application to dental school is highly encouraged. While scores are sent automatically to AADSAS and then to your chosen schools by checking the AADSAS box on the DAT, admissions decisions are not usually made until official scores are received. Therefore, it's in your best interest to take the DAT well before the recommended date of August 1st of the application year.

Visit the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) web page on the DAT for more information and to apply to take it.