1. Vital Information and Tips for Taking the DAT
Nicholas B. Hussong
Manager, Test Administration
Department of Testing Services
April 17, 2018

2. Development of the DAT began in 1945
DAT Program History
Development of the DAT began in 1945
20% to 25% of first-year dental students withdrew before graduation.
World War II veterans were applying to dental school in large numbers.
1972 – Chalk Carving Test and Space Relations Test were replaced by the Perceptual-motor Ability Test.
1988 – Score scale changed from -1 to 9 to the current 1 to 30. 2

3. DAT Program Purpose
Purpose: Designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.
Foundation upon which the test is built; drives the:
Test content
Administration policies and procedures
Scoring, Reporting, and Interpretation of Scores
Validity studies show that test scores (in conjunction with academic records) are useful in predicting performance in dental school.
All dental schools require examinees to participate in the DAT Program, but test results are only one consideration in evaluating examinee admission potential. 3

4. DENTPIN

5. Website
This slide further highlights some of those DAT resources. This is the DAT home page. Please take time to review each of the steps and the links embedded within this page. It will guide you step by step through the application and testing process.

6. Test Administration and Fees
Electronic process; 6 month eligibility.
Administered nationwide on any business day at Prometric Test Centers.
291 professional level testing centers in North America with 5,763 available seats.
Secure test environment. Biometric check-in. Video monitoring.
2017 Fees
DAT fee includes:
unofficial personal report
unlimited official reports to schools, selected at time of application
pre-health advisor report, selected at time of application
$460
Additional score report (per entity)
$37
Audit Request
$65
The DAT application is an electronic process found on the DAT website. Once your application is processed you will have six months to schedule a testing appointment and take the test. If you do not schedule a testing appointment or take the test within this six month period you will forfeit your testing fee and you must submit a new application to test.
Do not submit an application to take the test until you are ready to schedule a testing appointment. DTS processes applications daily on standard business days. Partial fee waivers are available in cases of severe financial hardship (see DAT guide for details). There is a limited number of fee waivers available.
The 2014 fees are $385 (DAT includes unlimited score reports if requested at the time of application); $33 (each additional score report not requested at the time of application); $65 (audit request).
During 2014, the application process will be enhanced. Please watch the DAT website for future updates.
The DAT is administered nationwide at Prometric Test Centers, on any business day. There are approximately 284 professional level Prometric testing centers in North America with 5,243 available seats.
Testing centers use biometric check-in procedures and administer tests in secure testing environments with video monitoring. Please see the Prometric website for “what to expect on test day”. 6

7. DAT Format and Content Computer-based, administered by Prometric
United States and territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands)
Detailed Test Specifications (DAT Guide, page 5)
Test
Testing
Schedule
Number of Questions
Optional tutorial--15 minutes
Survey of Natural Sciences
90 minutes
100
Perceptual Ability
60 minutes 90
Optional scheduled break--30 minutes
Reading Comprehension 50
Quantitative Reasoning
45 minutes 40
Optional post test survey--15 minutes
Total
5 hours 15 minutes
280

8. Testing Accommodations
The DAT Program provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for individuals with documented disabilities or a medical condition who demonstrate a need for accommodation and request an accommodation prior to testing.
An individual is considered to have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.
Information concerning testing accommodations will not be shared outside of the DAT Program and Test Center, and will not be indicated on test results, reported to dental schools, nor provided to additional report recipients.
Submit the following to
Testing Accommodation Request Form indicating the impairment/medical condition and the request for accommodations.
Current evaluation report from an appropriate health care professional. The report should include:
Specific diagnostic procedures/tests administered.
Results and interpretation of the diagnostic procedures/tests.
Diagnosis of the impairment/medical condition, with description of limitations.
Recommendations for testing accommodations.
The DAT Program provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodation.
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a person with a disability as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. English as a second language, slow reading without an identified underlying cognitive deficit, or failure to achieve a desired outcome are not considered learning disabilities and are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Testing accommodations are offered to those with a qualified disability in order to offer equal access to testing. Examinees must request testing accommodations with each application, but will not be required to submit additional documentation for the same disability/condition with subsequent retests.
The DAT Program requires a complete evaluation of the examinee, as well as a completed and a signed Testing Accommodation Request Form. A licensed professional appropriately qualified for evaluating the disability must conduct the evaluation.
If you have a documented disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require testing accommodations, you must submit the documents listed in the box. Further details can be found in the DAT Guide, pages 8

9. Study Tips
The ADA does not endorse any third-party study materials or courses. The materials and information provided by third-party groups and organizations may not be accurate. Be sure that you consult the ADA website and the DAT Guide for accurate information. If you have questions contact the Department of Testing Services.
Live Chat on
The ADA offers practice tests to help students familiarize themselves with the test format. These resources are intended to be supplementary study tools. The ADA expects students to have taken undergraduate courses covering the subjects presented on the DAT. Text books and class notes should serve as your primary study tools.
There is no magic formula for getting a high score on the DAT. Be sure to study the subjects covered on the test and use the available resources to familiarize yourself with the testing rules and procedures. Feeling confident and relaxed on test day is important!

10. DAT Practice Test
The individual modules for DAT are identical to the modules included in the Full Practice Test, except that there are two additional modules provided for the Perceptual Ability Test that are not in the Full Practice Test.
The full practice test has an allotted time of 3 hours and 5 minutes, divided into timed sections to simulate the time constraints of the actual test.

11. Study Tips Review the Test Specifications
Identify your areas of strength and weakness
Consult with faculty and advisors
Make a plan
Know the rules
Be prepared
Study differently if you retake the test
Give yourself time!

12. Test Content
DAT Test Specifications are found in the DAT Guide and outline specific test content details. Any future changes will be outlined within the Test Specifications.

13. Resources
Sample Test Items
Tutorial
Reference Texts

14. DAT Monthly Testing Volumes
You might be wondering when is best time to take the DAT. This slide shows the monthly testing volumes over the last six years. Remember that after your application is processed you have six months to schedule a testing appointment and take the test.
Please note that June through September are the busiest months for DAT testing. Also note that you are scheduling with Prometric and they service hundreds of testing programs. 14

15. Reschedule Policy Permits last minute rescheduling.
Contact Prometric directly and pay a fee directly to Prometric.
Contractual agreements require DTS payment for no-show appointments.
Please notify Prometric if you are forced to cancel, reschedule, or no-show due to an illness or emergency.
If you wish to reschedule or cancel your testing appointment, you must contact Prometric in advance of the testing appointment and pay a fee directly to Prometric. Additional fees apply (see Testing Fees section of DAT Guide). Appointments can be rescheduled by calling or The local test center cannot schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment.
If you do not appear for your scheduled testing appointment and you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment in advance of the test date, you will forfeit all testing fees. You will be required to submit a new application and pay the fee to schedule a new appointment.
If an emergency on the day of the testing appointment prevents you from testing, you may submit a written request for relief to the DAT Program. Please include applicable documentation and send to within five business days of the appointment.
Examples of emergencies and applicable documentation include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Sudden illness on the test day: doctor’s note or hospital records confirming that you were treated on the day of the test
• Death in the family on the test day: copy of obituary, prayer card/program from funeral service, or death certificate confirming that the relative passed away on the day of the test
Testing appointments affected by emergencies occurring prior to the day of the actual testing appointment should be handled through the rescheduling and cancellation process. 15

16. Reschedule Volume
2017 Total: 8,854

17. No-show Volume
2017 Total:

18. Testing Checklist
Make sure these issues do not create problems for you on testing day!
Two original, current IDs
Primary: photograph and signature; government issued ID (driver license or passport; not expired)
Secondary: signature ID
(social security card, credit card, debit card, library card)
Follow instructions
Store personal items in locker and DO NOT access during testing or unscheduled breaks.
No cell phone use during testing or unscheduled break.
Empty pockets.
ID name MUST match application name
Match: Joseph Anthony Smith and Joseph A. Smith
Non-match: Joseph Anthony Smith and Joseph Smith-Johnson (hyphenated last names)
Testing condition problems; notify test administrator immediately
Stop testing as soon as you encounter a problem. Do not resume testing until the problem has been resolved. about any unresolved concerns within five business days of your testing appointment.
This checklist is ed to you when we complete the processing of your DAT application. Please read it carefully. This list identifies the issues that create problems for examinees on the day of testing. If you violate these policies you may be denied testing and will forfeit your testing fee. You will be required to submit a new application to test. 18

19. Score Reports/Scoring
Unofficial score report provided at test center.
Audit procedures conducted.
Official scores reported electronically weeks after testing appointment.
Electronic reporting through My Account.
Based on the number of correct answers provided by the examinee.
Number of correct answers (raw scores) converted to scale scores.
Equating process adjusts for differences in difficulty among test forms and permits comparison of scores over time.
Administrations monitored for irregularities.
Penalties for misconduct and cheating.
DAT Guide, Testing Irregularities and Appeals
Committee on Dental Admission Testing reviews performance to understand trends and potential changes.
There are no passing or failing scores; a scale score of 18 typically signifies average performance on a national basis.
Detailed score analysis provided in DAT User’s Manual
Upon completion of your testing appointment, you will receive an unofficial score report at the Prometric Test Center. In the unofficial score report, scale scores are reported. This report is your personal copy, no other score report will be sent to you. Please note that once you have taken the test your scores cannot be voided at your request (DAT Program policy).
If you do not receive your unofficial score report after completing the DAT, please notify the DAT Program within five days via Your personal copy of the score report issued by the Prometric Test Center is an “unofficial” report and is subject to audit as part of the DAT quality review process. Falsification of score reports or misrepresentation of a score report may result in cancellation of your scores and a two-year wait to retest.
All U.S. dental schools require official DAT scores. Official scores are reported electronically (within 3-4 weeks of your test date) to the dental schools you select on your DAT application. Your eligibility is your record of which schools you requested score reports be sent. When you select dental schools to receive your official scores, you grant the DAT Program permission to release your official scores to the dental schools you selected on your DAT application. Scores will not be released without your authorization.
If you repeat the test, the results of the four most recent testing attempts are reported. Please confer with your pre-dental advisor regarding test results. You can request that a score report be sent to your pre-dental advisor at no charge at the time of application. Scores are mailed to the pre-dental advisor (in periodic reports) if indicated on your application. Additionally, when you select dental schools on your DAT application that participate in a standardized application service (ADEA AADSAS or TMDSAS), the DAT Program will report your official scores to the schools and to the application services. If your DAT application has no dental schools selected, then you have not granted permission to the DAT Program to release your official scores. Thus, your official scores will not be forwarded to schools or application services. Schools selected at the time of application are included in the DAT fee, regardless of the number of schools selected.
Requests for additional score reports are submitted using the score report request form available at There is an additional fee to do so (see the Testing Fees section of DAT Guide). Score report fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
We suggest you send official scores to each of the dental schools you are considering even if you have not yet completed your application to these schools. 19

20. 90-day wait required between retests.
Retesting
90-day wait required between retests.
Three or more testing attempts, must apply for permission to retest and provide evidence of current application to dental school.
Acceptable evidence includes:
ADEA AADSAS application or
Rejection letter from a dental school or
Letter from dental school admission officer/pre-health advisor.
You must submit a new application and fee for each retest. You must wait at least 90 days from your last attempt, before retaking the DAT. You may submit a new application, and after receipt of your eligibility (wait 24 hours) visit or to schedule an appointment.
If you have three or more DAT attempts you must apply for permission to test again, and from that point forward may retest only once per twelve-month period. A testing attempt occurs each time you are seated at a computer workstation at a Prometric Test Center and start the test by electronically agreeing to the confidentiality statement. Requests for additional testing beyond the first three attempts must be submitted in to and must include evidence of current (within the previous 18 months) intent to apply to dental school. Please submit your documents as a single attachment.
Acceptable forms of evidence include the following (you need submit only one):
 Copy of a completed and submitted ADEA AADSAS application
 Letter of rejection from a dental school
 Letter on school letterhead from a dental school admissions officer encouraging you to retest
 Letter on school letterhead from a college/university health profession advisor/instructor verifying that you are applying to dental school
The results of your four most recent DAT administrations, as well as the total number of attempts, are reported on official score reports. 20

21. Retesting
Students often ask whether it is common to take the DAT more than once or if multiple test attempts will make their application look unfavorable to the dental schools.
Approximately 1 in 3 students who take NBDE Part I took the DAT more than once.
You must submit a new application and fee for each retest. You must wait at least 90 days from your last attempt, before retaking the DAT. You may submit a new application, and after receipt of your eligibility (wait 24 hours) visit or to schedule an appointment.
If you have three or more DAT attempts you must apply for permission to test again, and from that point forward may retest only once per twelve-month period. A testing attempt occurs each time you are seated at a computer workstation at a Prometric Test Center and start the test by electronically agreeing to the confidentiality statement. Requests for additional testing beyond the first three attempts must be submitted in to and must include evidence of current (within the previous 18 months) intent to apply to dental school. Please submit your documents as a single attachment.
Acceptable forms of evidence include the following (you need submit only one):
 Copy of a completed and submitted ADEA AADSAS application
 Letter of rejection from a dental school
 Letter on school letterhead from a dental school admissions officer encouraging you to retest
 Letter on school letterhead from a college/university health profession advisor/instructor verifying that you are applying to dental school
The results of your four most recent DAT administrations, as well as the total number of attempts, are reported on official score reports. 21

22. Candidate Satisfaction Survey
DAT Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results: Prometric N
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Appointment date
11,894
42.8
52.3
4.9
Helpfulness of test center staff
11,581
68.4
30.0
1.6
Performance of testing system
11,482
45.0
46.0
8.9
Promptness in seating them
11,716
66.4
31.4
2.2
Test center total testing environment
11,410
54.9
42.1
3.1
Total experience of taking DAT
11,323
48.7
48.2
This slide shows you the results of the post-test survey (first three quarters of 2013) administered at the end of the DAT. 96.5% of DAT examinees are very satisfied or satisfied with their total testing experience. 22

23. Resources What? Where? Counsel with your Pre-health Advisor
Undergraduate academic institution
Proposed dental school
Application
Guide
FAQs
Practice Test
Score Reports
Testing Accommodations
Testing Checklist
Tutorial
Prometric Test Centers
Practice Test - online
What to Expect on Test Day
This slide identifies the many resources available to you in your preparation to take the DAT. Please take time to carefully review each link. There is an immense volume of information available to you. Remember to get your information directly from the source and not Internet chat rooms, blogs, or other entities outside your academic institution or the American Dental Association.
Pre-health Advisor
Your pre-health advisor can assist you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses and direct you in your course schedule and study plan for taking the DAT. There are no shortcuts to the process of learning. You cannot bypass the extensive process of absorbing basic information through class participation and months of study.
The DAT Program does not endorse any test preparation courses and has no data on the content or efficacy of test preparation courses designed to prepare you to take the DAT. The DAT Program urges you to carefully review the course materials to ensure that they reflect the current content of the DAT.
DAT Guide
This document contains all the current policies regarding the DAT including an outline of the test. Take time to thoroughly review this document, it will answer most of your questions.
DAT FAQs
This provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.
DAT Checklist
This identifies the issues that cause problems for examinees on the day of testing. These problems will cause you to be denied testing. Please read carefully.
DAT Application instructions
Testing Accommodations
This provides instructions if you are seeking to test with testing accommodations.
Tutorial
A tutorial to familiarize you with the mechanics of taking the DAT is available on the DAT website. The tutorial includes sample DAT items, and provides the opportunity to become familiar with the basic steps involved in proceeding through the test. At the Prometric Test Center, you will also have an opportunity to take a brief, optional tutorial before beginning the actual test.
Resources on DAT website
This link reveals newsletters, meeting presentations, reference texts, etc.
Practice Test
The DAT program offers a computer-based and paper-based DAT practice test to help you prepare. The questions on the practice test previously appeared on the actual test, but have been retired from the main testing program. The computer-based DAT practice test is timed and reflects the actual DAT testing time. After completing the computer-based practice test you will receive a report indicating the number of questions that you answered correctly. The paper-based test is the same as the computer-based test just in paper form. To purchase either the computer-based or paper-based DAT practice test, visit the link.
Prometric FAQs, Test Drive, and What to Expect on Test Day
There are addition resources on the Prometric website such as the Prometric Test Drive. In a 30 minute appointment, you will experience the following activities:
• The scheduling and registration process
• The complete check-in process
• Introduction to test center staff and surroundings
• A live, 15-minute sample test (generic test, not DAT) demonstrating the testing process
• Full preparation for the real test
Visit the link for further details and pricing.
Unreleased Test Materials
Unreleased test materials represent confidential test material. Obtaining, using, and/or distributing unreleased test items is strictly prohibited regardless of the method employed (i.e., whether by memorization, recording, copying, etc.). Use or sharing of unreleased test materials violates the Rules of Conduct and Testing Regulations. Such activities may provide unfair advantage to individuals and threaten the validity and credibility of the test. Since all tests are copyrighted property of the American Dental Association, these prohibited activities also violate Federal copyright laws. The American Dental Association investigates reports or allegations associated with the generation, use, or sharing of unreleased test materials, and will pursue formal action against anyone who violates Test Regulations or Federal Copyright Law. 23

24. Further Information www.ada.org/dat Dental Admission Testing Program
Nicholas B. Hussong
Manager, Test Administration 24