Dental Admission Test
The Dental Admission Test (abbreviated DAT) is a multiple-choice standardized exam taken by potential dental school students in the United States and Canada (although there is a separate Canadian version with differing sections, both American and Canadian versions are usually interchangeably accepted in both countries' dental schools. This article will specifically describe the American DAT). The DAT is a computer based test that can be administered almost any day of the year. Tests are taken at Prometric testing centers throughout the United States after the preliminary application through the American Dental Association is completed. Each applicant may only take the test a total of three times before having to ask special permission to take the exam again. After taking the exam, applicants must wait 90 days before repeating it. Each exam costs $525, all of which is non-refundable.
Acronym | DAT |
---|---|
Type | Computer-based standardized test |
Developer / administrator | American Dental Association |
Knowledge / skills tested | Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning |
Purpose | Admissions to dental colleges (mostly in United States and Canada). |
Year started | 1950 |
Score / grade range | 1 to 30 (in 1-point increments) for each of the 8 sections (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning, Total Science, and Academic Average ). |
Score / grade validity | Usually 2 to 3 years (depends on dental college being applied to). |
Offered | Year-round. |
Restrictions on attempts | Can be taken maximum 3 times. Additional retesting requires authorization by the ADA. |
Countries / regions | United States, Canada, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. |
Languages | English |
Prerequisites / eligibility criteria | Candidate must be preparing to apply to a dental school. Fluency in English assumed. |
Fee | US$ 525 ("Fee Assistance Program" available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or refugees, demonstrating financial need.) |
Scores / grades used by | Dental colleges (mostly in United States and Canada). |
Website | www |