Key takeaways
Understanding the changes to the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is crucial for prospective dental students. Starting in 2025, the DAT will undergo significant updates that affect how scores are interpreted and the test format itself. Familiarizing yourself with these changes will enhance your preparation and improve your chances of success.
- As of 2025, the DAT will emphasize data interpretation and scientific reasoning in the Survey of the Natural Sciences section (American Dental Association).
- Focus on complex reading passages that include medical ethics and interdisciplinary topics to prepare effectively for the Reading Comprehension section.
- The scoring scale will remain from 1 to 30, but new percentile benchmarks will be introduced based on the updated test version.
- Register for the DAT 2-3 months in advance and ensure you review the DAT Candidate Guide for detailed instructions and policies.
Contents
If you want to apply to dental school, it’s important to understand your DAT score. Schools have changed how they look at these scores in the past few years—and students now think about them differently too.
What Are The Major Changes To The DAT In 2025?
And starting in 2025, the DAT is getting a noticeable update. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of what’s new:
| Category | Before 2025 | As of 2025 |
| Survey of the Natural Sciences | Included Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry | Same subjects, but increased focus on data interpretation and scientific reasoning |
| Reading Comprehension | Three academic passages | More complex passages, including medical ethics and interdisciplinary topics |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Basic algebra, geometry, and applied math | More emphasis on data analysis, statistics, and evidence-based reasoning |
| Scoring Scale | Scaled score from 1 to 30 | Same scale, but with updated percentile benchmarks based on new test version |
| Use of Calculators | On-screen calculator available only in Quantitative Reasoning | Still limited to QR, but upgraded functionality and interface |
| Timing | 4 hours 15 minutes (including breaks) | Same total time, but some sections shortened or redistributed |
How To Prepare For The New DAT Test Format?
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Preparation for the DAT should remain consistent with previous strategies, focusing on the six sections:
- Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Perceptual Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Reasoning
When Is The 2025 DAT And How Do You Register?
You can take the DAT any time of year at Prometric test centers in the U.S. and Canada. Try to apply 2-3 months before your test date. Your official scores will be sent about 3 to 4 weeks after your test day.
Here’s what you need to do to register:
- Get a DENTPIN® from the ADA
- Apply online through the ADA website
- After approval, book your test with Prometric
Ensure you review the DAT Candidate Guide for detailed instructions and policies.
What To Expect On DAT Test Day?
“I got to Prometric around 7:30 am when they were opening and waited in line to check in. Once I checked in, I waited in line through get past security where they checked my glasses and pockets”
— u/Chicago_predental, Reddit
Here’s how the day typically goes:
| Phase | What Happens? |
| Arrival and Check-In | Arrive at least 30 minutes early; bring two forms of ID, leave personal items in a locker |
| Security Screening | Palm vein scan, photo taken, ID verification, test-day rules reviewed |
| Tutorial (Optional) | Brief walkthrough of how the interface works—no extra time is added |
| Test Sections Begin | You’ll move through the five timed sections with no way to go back |
| Optional Break | One 15-minute break after Section 2 (before PAT) |
| Resuming the Test | Must return on time or risk your session being voided |
| End-of-Test Survey | Short exit questionnaire (not scored) |
| Score Report | Unofficial scores displayed immediately (except for the new scale after March 2025) |
What Is The New Scoring Scale For The DAT?
Here’s a rough concordance based on the ADA’s published table:
| Old Score (1-30 scale) | New Score (200-600 scale) |
| 17 | 360 |
| 19 | 400 |
| 21 | 440 |
| 23 | 480 |
| 25 | 520 |
| 27 | 560 |
| 30 | 600 |
Top Tips from Our Expert
- Learn how the new format works so you don’t make mistakes
- Study the main subjects and topics because they will still be on the test
- Visit the ADA and ADEA websites for updates and tips
Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: American Dental Association, Reddit
