How to register for the Dental Admission Test (DAT)?

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam taken by aspiring dental school students in the US and Canada. The admission criteria include assessment of DAT scores, previous records of your college, letter of recommendation, and other necessary details. Each dental school gives importance to each of these components according to their needs.

An applicant can take the exam more than once but you should remember that all history of previous attempts will be recorded. Moreover, you should choose a date for the DAT examination ahead of time which can benefit you.

You will get motivation for studying and will be able to prepare a schedule for studying according to your exam date.

First, let us have a quick review of some common questions related to DAT.

Can you take DAT online?

The DAT has been conducted at test centers on a year-round basis. The exam is operated by Prometric. You can register on the official website of DAT at ada.org/dat and sit for exams at your preferred time.

Which month should you take the DAT?

The end of the spring semester is the ideal time to take the DAT test. Besides, you can also take the test in your junior year, or after completing your courses related to this.

What is the average score needed for DAT?

The DAT score is counted between 1-30. It is seen that competitive DAT scores that rank the top have an average score of 19.

However, you should aim for 21 or more for getting admission to your desired dental school. The better your score, the better opportunities will be ahead of you.

How should you prepare for the DAT?

Preparation of DAT might be quite tough but it is not impossible. A few steps should be followed:

1. First, pick a perfect time for taking the DAT test.
2. Then try to complete the registration process early. It is better if you register two to three months before your DAT exam.
3. Then you should read the DAT guide thoroughly. Make sure to read the latest guide from their official website.
4. Make sure to start your preparation from the basics.
5. Try to take some DAT practice tests. It will help you understand the time management and the pattern of questions. Remember the test is 5 hours and 15 minutes long.

Is the DAT test very difficult?

Acing the DAT is not an easy task, but it is not impossible to crack. The main target is to prepare thoroughly and strategically with the help of proper guidance. The more you will practice, the better outcome you will get. Moreover, practice will definitely boost up your confidence level.

What are the DAT sections?

The DAT test comprises four major sections. The brief details about those sections are given below:

• Survey of natural resources: Includes genetics, molecular biology, function of systems, organic chemistry, chemical and physical properties of molecules, aromatics and bonding, liquid-solid solutions, general chemistry, etc.
• Perceptual Ability: Includes angle discriminations, cube counting, 3D form development, orthographic projections, etc.
• Reading Comprehension: Includes test reading comprehension. The main target of this part is to analyze your ability to analyze scientific passages.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Includes numerical calculations, algebraic concepts, and conversations. This part will test your ability to use and apply mathematical equations.

8 Simple Steps To Register For The DAT

You might think that the DAT registration process is quite lengthy and confusing, right? In reality, it is quite the opposite. By following some simple steps you can easily register in the DAT.

The following eight steps should be followed gradually to complete the DAT registration Process:

1. First, go to Google and search for the American Dental Association website. On the website, you will see several tabs. Click the Tab under “Education/Careers” named “Admission Tests and Dental Examinations”. There you will see ADAT, DAT, ATDH, and NBDE sections.
2. Scroll down the page and you will see a link named “Dental Admission Test”. Now click on this and it will take you to a new page. Then you need to click “DENTPIN” and your registration process will get started.
3. Then the most important step is to create a DENTPIN. DENTPIN is an individual code that you will have to use several times during the whole process. This DENTPIN will also be included in your AADSAS application to keep track of all the DAT tests you will take the whole time.
4. This individual DENTPIN will allow other schools to track your performance and DAT scores so make sure to note down the DENTPIN details correctly. Besides, if you register for taking dental examinations (including Integrated National Board Dental Examination) in the future throughout your dental career, you will need this code.
5. After following all the instructions, you will need to pay for the exam. The payment for the exam is currently $495.
6. After that, you will receive a confirmation email or you can say eligibility email. This will be needed for scheduling the exam location, date, and time.
7. You will need to enter your first, middle and last name correctly and it should match with your passport or Driver’s license.
8. After getting an eligibility letter along with a specific eligibility number from the ADA website, you should take an appointment with the Prometric Testing Center at this link.

Remember, it might need a few days for receiving the eligibility letter. So, have patience. Once you get it, here’s what you need to do:

1. Search and enter in the Prometric website, you will be asked to indicate the program and the region. Now you scroll down a little bit and select “American Dental Association”. Here you will need to enter the details about where you want to take the examination.
2. You will be asked to give an eligibility number from the email and the last four letters of your last name. After providing all this information, you will be given a calendar with available seats in each location, date, and time. Also, the given calendar will only show you the dates available for the upcoming 6 months.

You should note that some of the zip codes have problematic locations in the area and others might not have much. So it will be a mature step to book your preferred exam schedule as early as possible. Otherwise, the seats may get filled depending on the location.

Another point that should be noted is exam hours are given as a 5 and a half-hour time slot for each student. This can be available both on weekdays and weekends all day depending on the date and location.

You will get an appointment confirmation email on the date and time selected by you. You will also receive rules and regulations/protocols for the center, identification policy, ways of rescheduling/cancellation of exams, and necessary directions for your exam center.

How long do you have to wait to take a retest?

If you want to sit for a retest then you will have to wait for 90 days between testing attempts.

If you have sat for an exam two or three times already, then you will have to take permission to take the test again. Please make sure to follow the DAT guidelines for getting detailed information about this.

Final Thoughts

Make sure to take some DAT practice tests. This will boost up your confidence as well as will help you to learn time management.

Managing time during exams is really tough. Practicing more and more will give you a proper idea about everything.

Last but not the least, try to eat healthily and sleep regularly. Without sound health, you will not be able to get the best performance out of yourself. Best of luck!