What Is the DAT? Everything Pre-Dental Students Need to Know
If you want to get into dental school, there’s one test that really matters: the DAT.
You’ve probably heard of it. Maybe you’ve even felt nervous just thinking about it. But don’t worry—this guide will show you exactly what it is, what’s on it, and how to get ready.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel excited and confident to take the next step in your journey to becoming a dentist! 🦷
🧠 What Is the DAT?
The DAT stands for Dental Admission Test.
It’s a test required by most dental schools in the U.S. It checks to see how ready you are by testing your skills in:
Science
Reading
Math
And even visual thinking, which is super important for working on teeth!
Think of it like a challenge to prove: “I’m ready for dental school—and I’ve got what it takes!”
📚 What’s on the DAT?
The test has four parts:
Natural Sciences – Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) – Puzzles, 3D shapes, and spatial thinking
Reading Comprehension – Reading science articles and answering questions
Quantitative Reasoning – Math skills like algebra, graphs, and word problems
You don’t have to take science classes before the DAT—but classes like biology and chemistry will help you feel way more prepared.
⏰ When Should I Take the DAT?
Most students take the DAT after their 2nd or 3rd year of college, but you can take it earlier or later depending on your situation.
You can take the test up to 3 times without needing special permission.
🆕 How Does the New DAT Scoring System Work?
Starting March 1, 2025, the DAT is using a new scoring scale.
Instead of scores like “17” or “21,” you’ll get a score between 200 and 600, in steps of 10 (like 200, 210, 220, up to 600).
Here’s how it works:
200 = lowest score
600 = highest score
You’ll receive these scores for each test section, plus:
Academic Average (AA) – The average of all subject area scores
Total Science (TS) – Based on all science questions
👉 Even if you take the test before March 1, 2025, your score will be converted to this new scale when it’s sent to dental schools.
Dental schools will only see the new 3-digit scores. But if you want to see your old 2-digit scores, you’ll still be able to in your DAT account.
⚠️ Do Dental Schools Have Score Minimums?
Yes—many schools have minimum DAT scores you need in order to apply.
If your score is too low, your application might be automatically rejected, no matter how good the rest of it is.
That’s why it’s super important to know:
What score each dental school requires
What score will make you competitive
📋 How Do I Know What Score I Need?
Every dental school is different. Some schools are okay with a lower score, while others want above average. But most schools don’t put this info in one easy place…
That’s where we come in—we can help you understand the scores dental schools are actually accepting, including the highest and lowest scores for each school.
💡 How Can I Study for the DAT?
Here are some quick tips to help you succeed:
📘 Use DAT prep books and programs
🧪 Review biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry
🧩 Practice PAT puzzles daily
🧠 Take practice tests under timed conditions
📅 Study for 2–3 months with a smart plan
Dental School Guide students receive exclusive discounts on a variety of DAT prep books and services. Feel free to message us to access these discounts.
🚀 Want Help With DAT Prep, Score Goals & More?
At Dental School Guide, we’re here to help you stand out and succeed.
We’ll help you:
🎯 Understand the highest and lowest DAT scores each school is accepting—so you know what to aim for on test day
🧪 Get insider tips from admissions teams on what schools are really looking for
🎓 Add virtual shadowing hours to your application
✍️ Write a compelling personal statement
💬 Work one-on-one with real dental students and dentists
Whether you’re just getting started or nearly ready to apply, we’ve got your back.
👉 Click here to meet with an admissions expert for a FREE Strategy Session.
Your dream of becoming a dentist is real—and we’re here to help make it happen.