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What is the DAT?

The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) is a standardized, computer-based exam administered by Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and taken at a Prometric Test Centre. It assesses your, “general academic ability; scientific understanding; 2- and 3-dimensional perception; and reading comprehension” (Canadian Dental Association, 2024).

What’s on it? And what kinds of questions can I expect? And how long does it take to complete?

It takes approximately three hours and 50 minutes to complete, including an optional 15-minute introductory tutorial, 15-minute breaks between sections and a 5-minute posttest survey.

The test is divided into 3 sections:

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences

   • 70 question total

   • 60 minutes to complete

   • Tests your knowledge of biology and general chemistry

2. Perceptual Ability

   • 90 questions

   • 60 minutes to complete

   • Tests your ability to accurately perceive object dimensions and mentally manipulate objects in space

3. Reading Comprehension

   • 50 questions

   • 60 minutes to complete

   • Tests your ability to, “read, comprehend and thoroughly analyze basic scientific information” (American Dental Association, 2024a, p.4)

(American Dental Association, 2024a)

How can I request a testing accommodation?

Information on DAT testing accommodations process can be found on the CDA’s webpage “Testing Accommodations”.

Is there a test waiver available to subsidize the cost of fees?

There is not a test waiver available to subsidize the cost of fees.

What test preparation resources can I use to study?

• The Canadian Dental Assocation provides candidates with a preparation manual for a fee

• Consider visiting UWaterloo's Libraries and/or local libraries for additional aptitude test resources

• Book an appointment with the Centre for Career Development to explore your options further

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:

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences

   • 100 questions total

   • 90 minutes to complete

   • Tests your knowledge of, biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry

2. 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).

3. 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).

4. Quantitative Reasoning

   • 40 questions total

   • 45 minutes to complet

   • Tests your proficiency in math and assesses problem-solving skills (American Dental Association, 2024b)

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

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