Dental Admission Test

Dental Admission Test (DAT) is conducted by the American Dental Association. It is administered on computer on almost any day of the year. It Utah, it is administered only at Sylvan Technology Centers. The written DAT was discontinued in 1998. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. Successful participation in the DAT requires completion of at least one year of college which should include courses in biology and general and organic chemistry. Advanced-level biology and physics are not required. Most applicants complete two or more years of college before taking the exam. It is suggested that applicants take the exam at least one year prior to entering dental school.

The examinations are comprised exclusively of multiple-choice test items presented in the English language. There are four examinations included in the DAT. The entire program requires just over one half-day for administration. The exams included are: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry), Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning. Scores are based on the number of correct answers, therefore, candidates are not penalized for guessing. Scores range from 1 to 30. While there are no strict passing or failing scores, the standard score of 16 typically signifies average performance on a national basis.

The DAT program booklet containing application and preparation materials is available in the Student Services Testing Center and the Davis Testing Center.

Preparation materials including descriptions of tests and sample tests are available in the DAT Application and Preparation Materials booklet. Test preparation booklets are also available in most bookstores and libraries.