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American Dental Admission Test (DAT) |
What is the DAT?
The American Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized, computer-based exam administered by American Dental Association (ADA) and taken at a Prometric Test Centre. The test is, “designed to provide dental education programs with a means to assess applicants’ potential for success”
(American Dental Association, 2024b).
What’s on it? And what kinds of questions can I expect? And how long does it take to complete?
It takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete, including an optional 15-minute introductory tutorial, 30-minute break after the Perceptual Ability section and a 15-minute posttest survey.
The test is divided into 4 sections:
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Survey of the Natural Sciences
100 questions total
90 minutes to complete
Tests your knowledge of, biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry
Perceptual Ability
90 questions total
60 minutes to complete
Tests your ability to, “accurately perceive object dimensions and mentally manipulate objects in space” (American Dental Association, 2024, p.7).
Reading Comprehension
50 questions total
60 minutes to complete
Tests your ability to “read, comprehend, and thoroughly analyze basic scientific information” (American Dental Association, 2024, p.7).
Quantitative Reasoning
40 questions total
45 minutes to complet
Tests your proficiency in math and assesses problem-solving skills (American Dental Association, 2024b)
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For more information, please review the American Dental Association website for the most up-to-date candidate guide. |
How can I request a testing accommodation?
For information on DAT testing accommodations, please review the DAT Accommodation Request form.
Is there a test waiver available to subsidize the cost of fees?
The ADA offers a partial fee assistance program for American first-time examinees. For further details, check out the FAQ-Dental Admission Test (DAT) section of their website.
What test preparation resources can I use to study?
The American Dental Association provides candidates with practice tests and modules for a fee alongside other DAT resources (e.g., test day checklists)
Consider visiting UWaterloo's Libraries and/or local libraries for additional admission test resources
Book an appointment with the Centre for Career Development to explore your options further
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References |
American Dental Association. (2024a). Candidate guide: Official guide to the candidate aptitude test (Canada). https://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/becoming/dat/documents/DAT_Candidate_Guide.pdf
American Dental Association. (2024b). Dental Admission Test (DAT): 2024 candidate guide. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/education/dat_examinee_guide.pdf?rev=f5301ff5c834429ea880c40763351786&hash=8BD8C9DBC001A50F8577DE4F7560C370
Canadian Dental Association. (2024). Dental Aptitude Test Information [Video]. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat