Dental Admission Test (DAT) 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability.

While all US dental schools require candidates to participate in the Dental Admission Testing Program, test results are only one factor considered in evaluating a potential candidate.

The DAT is administered by Thomson Prometric and can be taken by appointment at any of their testing centers throughout the United States. The test is computer based and has a multiple choice format.

The cost of taking the test is $190 and candidates may only take the test three times, although special permission may be granted to take the test again.

After taking the test, candidates must wait a minimum of 90 days before repeating it.

The DAT comprises four sections:

1. Natural Sciences (90 minutes)
2. Spatial Ability (60 minutes)
3. Reading Comprehension (60 minutes)
4. Numerical Reasoning (45 minutes)

Section 1 (Natural Sciences) is divided into questions about biology (40 questions), general chemistry (30 questions), and organic chemistry (30 questions).

Section 2 (Perceptual Ability) is divided into six different problems sets designed to test perceptual ability, specifically in the areas of three dimensional manipulation and spatial reasoning. For example: apertures, angle discrimination, cube counting, 3D form development, paper folding, and view recognition.

Section 3 (Reading Comprehension) is divided into three academic essays, each of which is followed by questions about the passage's content. The passages are typical of materials encountered in the first year of dental school and require no prior knowledge of the topic other than a basic undergraduate preparation in science.

Section 4 (Numerical Reasoning) tests basic mathematics skills, with emphasis placed on algebra, critical thinking, fractions, roots, and trigonometric identities.

For example:

• Algebra – Equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation, absolute value, ratios and proportions, and graphical analysis
• Numerical calculations – Fractions and decimals, percentages, approximations and scientific notation
• Conversions – Temperature, time, weight, and distance; Probability and Statistics; Geometry; Trigonometry, and Applied Mathematics.

Following completion of the test, eight standard scores on a scale of 1–30 are calculated and passed on to the test taker.

The first six scores come directly from the test: perceptual ability, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry.

The remaining two scores reported are summaries of the previous six.

The Academic Average is the average of five scores rounded to the nearest whole number: quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.

The Total Science score is a standard score based on all 100 questions in the biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry tests.

Dental schools usually summarize their applicant's scores by listing the academic, science, and perceptual ability scores.

The average score on the DAT is about an 18. Over 8,000 candidates a year take the DAT.

It is generally believed that a score of 20-22 will lead to admission although to a dental school.

You may also be interested in reading background information on psychometric tests and aptitude tests.

DAT Example Questions

Section 1: Natural Sciences

Question 1 – Biology

Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP in eukaryotic cells?

a) Ribosome
b) Mitochondrion
c) Nucleus
d) Golgi apparatus

The correct answer is: b) Mitochondrion

The mitochondrion is the "powerhouse of the cell," generating ATP through cellular respiration.

Question 2 – Organic Chemistry

Which of the following functional groups is present in aldehydes but not in ketones?

a) –OH group
b) –CHO group
c) C=O group
d) –COOH group

The correct answer is: b) –CHO group

Aldehydes have a carbonyl group at the end of the chain (–CHO), unlike ketones which have it within the chain.

Section 2: Perceptual Ability

Question 1 – Angle Discrimination

You are shown four angles: 32°, 29°, 35°, 31°. Which angle is the smallest?

a) 32°
b) 29°
c) 35°
d) 31°

The correct answer is: b) 29°

Perceptual ability tests often measure fine differences in angles.

Question 2 – Cube Counting

A cube is painted on all sides and then cut into 64 smaller cubes. How many of the smaller cubes will have two painted faces?

a) 12
b) 24
c) 36
d) 48

The correct answer is: b) 24

Edge cubes (excluding corners) have two painted faces. A cube has 12 edges × 2 per edge = 24.

Section 3: Reading Comprehension

Question 1

Passage excerpt:

"Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it cannot regenerate once damaged. Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel by replacing lost minerals, thereby improving resistance to decay."

Statement: Fluoride helps enamel resist decay by replacing minerals.

a) True
b) False
c) Cannot be determined

The correct answer is: a) True

Directly stated in the passage.

Question 2

According to the passage, what is unique about dental enamel compared to other tissues?

a) It contains fluoride naturally.
b) It cannot regenerate once damaged.
c) It is softer than bone.
d) It grows back after decay.

The correct answer is: b) It cannot regenerate once damaged.

The passage specifies this limitation of enamel.

Section 4: Numerical Reasoning

Question 1 – Algebra

Solve for $x$:

$2x + 5 = 17$

a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 12

The correct answer is: b) 6

Subtract 5 → $2x = 12$

Divide by 2 → $x = 6$

Question 2 – Geometry

A circle has a radius of 7 cm. What is its area? $(\pi = 3.14)$

a) 144 cm²
b) 150 cm²
c) 153.9 cm²
d) 160 cm²

The correct answer is: c) 153.9 cm²

Area = πr² = 3.14 × 7² = 3.14 × 49 = 153.86

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I take the DAT?

You may take the DAT up to three times. Additional attempts require special permission from the American Dental Association (ADA).

How long is the DAT?

The test lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including all sections and an optional break. The four main sections are: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

What is a good DAT score?

The average score is around 18. Competitive dental schools generally look for scores in the 20–22 range, though exact requirements vary.

How is the DAT scored?

Scores are reported on a 1–30 scale for each section. In addition, two summary scores are provided: the Academic Average (the average of five academic sections) and the Total Science score (based on all science questions).

How soon can I retake the DAT if needed?

If you don’t achieve your desired score, you must wait at least 90 days before retaking the test.

Final Thoughts

The Dental Admission Test is a key milestone on the path to dental school, designed to measure not just scientific knowledge but also problem-solving, reasoning and perceptual skills that are essential for success as a dentist. While it is a demanding, time-pressured exam, careful preparation and familiarity with the question formats can make a big difference to your performance.

Remember that the DAT is only one factor in the admissions process. Dental schools also consider academic records, personal qualities and interview performance. Aim for consistent practice across all sections, focus on your weaker areas, and approach test day with confidence.

With dedication and the right preparation strategy, the DAT can become an opportunity to demonstrate your potential and take the next step toward a rewarding career in dentistry.