The Dental Admissions Test (DAT):

WHAT IS IT?

The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is an entrance exam used by dental schools throughout the United States.  Application forms to take this test may be picked up in the pre-health professions office, usually during the winter months of your Junior year.   Obviously, you should begin reviewing and preparing for the DAT long before making formal application to take the test!!  The DAT is given twice a year - mid spring and fall.  The application forms to take this test must be completed and received by the DAT organization a month and a half before your selected testing date.  There is a fee to take the DAT.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE IT?

Students often ask, "When is the best time to take the DAT - spring or fall?"  The best time to take the DAT is as soon as the necessary background courses have been completed and a thorough review of DAT study materials has been made.  Taking the spring test, which is truly advisable if you are prepared, assures that scores will be returned early for timely application to dental school.  These same scores will also be available to dental schools for early screening and evaluation which could be to your advantage.  It must be understood that any advantage to taking the spring test is lost if the student has not properly prepared to take it.  Experience has shown that, overall, the best preparation for success on the DAT is consistently high past and current performance in the necessary biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English classes.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR IT?

The pre-health professions advisor at your school can suggest supplementary courses which may help to enhance your performance on the DAT.  It is possible for many students to take classes winter and spring quarters and still be preparing for the spring DAT.  However, for other students, study and review throughout the summer for the fall DAT may be to their advantage.  All students should consult with their pre-dental advisors early to determine which testing period might be the best time for them to take the DAT.  Most dental schools honor your scores for two to three years from the time you took the test.  Some students actually take the summer DAT and use the scores for the following year's application period.  This provides them with an opportunity to thoroughly prepare during a summer break.  The DAT application booklet, which your pre-health advisors can give you, contains sample tests and other valuable information for pre-dental students.  Private commercial DAT study preparation materials and study courses are also available from a variety of sources.  In addition to specific DAT preparation materials, students should purchase and study specific subject matter concepts in commercially produced review guides - College Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry; College Biology; and College Physics available at most college bookstores.

CAN I TAKE IT MORE THAN ONCE?

The DAT may be repeated during another testing period.  Most dental schools will not negatively discriminate against you for doing so. You should understand that the timing for taking the test determines when you can apply to dental school.

[Students]   [Organizations]   [Applicants]   [Finances]
[Photos]   [City of Buffalo]   [Links]   [Credits]

Images © 1999 www.arttoday.com

Copyright © 1999 University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Last modified: August 09, 1999