DAT Prep

How you choose to study is entirely up to you.  No one knows how you learn better than yourself, so look into the different options that are available and choose what is best for your learning style. For more specifics, please speak with or email the current DAT Prep chair: Sophia Gaspard 

For more specific information about what courses to take to prepare for the test, please schedule an appointment with the Pre-Dental Advisor, Dr. Abbott.

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a prerequisite to all US dental schools.  This is a standardized exam that tests Pre-Dental students’ competency across the following six subject areas:

  1. General Chemistry
  2. Biology
  3. Organic Chemistry
  4. Quantitative Reasoning
  5. Perceptible Ability
  6. Reading Comprehension

The first three items listed above comprise the “Natural Science” section of the exam.  This is the first portion of the test that you will see on exam day.  Students will have 90 minutes to answer 100 multiple choice questions in this section.  The next portion is Perceptible Ability, where students will have 60 minutes to answer 90 questions.  Reading Comprehension follows, and consists of 50 questions in 60 minutes.  The final section of the exam is Quantitative Reasoning, in which students have 45 minutes to answer 40 questions.

Do not panic!  This test seems intimidating, but with the right preparation, you are sure to succeed.

How to register for the DAT :

Before you can register to take the exam, you must create an account on the ADEA website and register for a DENTPIN.  This Pin is a unique 10 digit ID that will follow you throughout your application process. Click on the hyperlink below to be directed to the ADEA website:

DAT

Once you receive email confirmation with your DENTPIN, you can register for an exam.  The DAT is an electronic exam that must be taken at a Prometric Testing Center.  By signing in to the prometric site, you can select an exam date and time.  You can also search for testing centers close to your area.  It is important to note that once you pay for the DAT, you have 3 months to register for a test date before your registration expires. Please sign up for a testing center when you are ready by clicking the link below:

Prometric

How to study for the DAT :

Everybody studies and works at their own pace, however a “typical” study regimen includes 6-8 hours of studying per day, 5 days a week, for 5-7 weeks. However, everybody is different and you should study to the point where you are comfortable with the material covered on the DAT.

There are a number of great study resources that are available to pre-dental students as they prepare for this exam.  Some of the most common resources are:

  1. DAT Bootcamp
  2. DAT Booster
  3. DAT Destroyer
  4. Kaplan Course
  5. Feralis Notes (for Biology)
  6. Chad’s Videos

A Final Note:

One of the most valuable resources for DAT preparation are your fellow Pre-Dental Society members!  Get to know your officers, talk to the Internal Affairs Chair, and ask around. Your peers who have already taken the exam are the best source for current DAT experiences.

Good luck studying!