Overview
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) and has been in operation on a national basis since 1950. The Dental Admission Test is administered by computer on almost any day of the year. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. While all dental schools require examinees to participate in the Dental Admission Testing Program, test results are only one factor considered in evaluating the admission potential of a examinee. Validity studies conducted by the testing program have shown that test scores in conjunction with collegiate records are useful in predicting performance. The relative importance of these predictors in the admission process is determined by the dental school.
Taking the DAT
Examinees who are applying for the DAT can apply online using a credit card or by using the paper application form available on this same website.
Administered by Thompson Prometric, after the application and fee payment are processed, the Thompson Prometric National Registration Center will receive notification of the examinee’s eligibility for DAT testing. They will, in turn, send a letter to the examinee with instructions to call an 800-number to register with the Thompson Prometric National Registration Center for the DAT. By calling the 800-number, the examinee will be able to arrange the day, time, and place to take the DAT at a Prometric Testing Center. Thompson Prometric requires at least a 48-hour advance notice for scheduling a test. A list of Prometric Testing Centers can be found at www.Prometric.com.
Examinees can retake the test, but must wait at least 90 days to be eligible to apply. Note: Effective January 2007, examinees who have attended three or more DAT exams must apply for special permission to take the test again. For test administration purposes, anyone who has been seated at a computer workstation at a Prometric Test Center and started the exam by electronically agreeing to the confidentiality statement will be deemed to have “attended” the exam. This policy is effective beginning January 2007 and includes any previous examination attempts. Requests for additional testing must be submitted in writing to the Department of Testing Services and must include evidence of current (within the previous 18 months) intent to apply to dental school.
The DAT battery includes: Survey of Natural Sciences (90 Minutes) - Covers Biology , General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Perceptual Ability Test (60 Minutes) - Includes questions measuring ability to conceptualize and estimate spatial and structural relationships. Optional Break (15 Minutes) Reading Comprehension Test (60 Minutes) - Includes questions based on reading passages related to dental, basic, or clinical science. No prior scientific knowledge is required to complete this section. Quantitative Reasoning Test (45 Minutes) - Consists of 40 questions measuring ability in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
