DAT

What is the DAT?

The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) is a standardized, computer-based exam administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and taken at a Prometric Test Centre. It assesses your “general academic ability; scientific understanding; two- and three-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 post-test survey.

The test is divided into three sections:

_{(American Dental Association, 2024a)}

How can I request a testing accommodation?

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

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 Association 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 five 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 four sections:

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 Waterloo'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