DAT or Dental Admission Test is a compulsory requirement to get into any reputable dental schools in Canada or the United States. The ADA (American Dental Association administers the Dental Admission Test. Practically, your DAT score plays an essential role throughout the admission process into a dental school.
The DAT results offer academic institutes a glimpse of your capabilities, which becomes a universal factor to compare applicants. Contrary to what you may have heard about the DAT, it is significantly different from other academic and career-oriented tests.
In fact, the emphasis of the test on memorizing the information is little to none. Instead, dental schools review your academic prowess via official transcript. Realistically, you need a strong foundation to pursue a dental career.
DAT: Underlying Purpose
DAT evaluates your reading comprehension, critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills. Although almost all dental academic schools need applicants to take the DAT exam, the results represent just one element of consideration throughout the admission process. If your DAT scores are in conjunction with school performance, then there is a good chance of selection.
The objective of the test is to evaluate your overall thought processes and collective knowledge. The trick, however, is to create a test-taking model that matches the test maker’s requirements. In fact, you would be surprised how much control and confidence you can gain over the DAT exam.
It is imperative to understand that dental schools do not have to assess your mastery over dental subjects. It means admission committees can check your proficiency in a specific subject area through your undergraduate school grades or coursework.
Recently, there has been a change in approach and methodology to evaluate applicants’ performance on the DAT. In fact, dental schools are moving the focus of interest from endlessly lengthy curriculum to a more conceptual style curriculum. Therefore, focus on holistic thinking and as well as the integration of multiple disciplines.
DAT and Success Ratio: Is There a Connection?
Each practical tool should be able to match its specific task. And through that assumption, take DAT as the ultimate tool to predict the likelihood of your success in a Canadian or American dental school. Research even confirms that the combination of DAT score and undergraduate GPA is a criterion for most of the dental school.
DAT: When You Should Take It?
Applicants can take the DAT exam throughout the year via their Prometric test facilities. Generally, the right thing to do would be to register for the exam early. And that is because most of the seats are full prior to two months of the test.
If you enroll in several classes, you can still start the preparation for the DAT like other students. The perfect time to take the DAT is from junior high to senior year. The vast majority of students starts preparation around April and attempt the DAT test in the summer weather (i.e., June, July, or August).
Also, if you want to ease the burden of preparation, take easier courses throughout the semester. The idea is to allocate more time to DAT preparation and get ready for a summer attempt. It might seem too challenging to juggle between semester courses and the DAT preparation. Therefore, review your current schedule to shift some time to the DAT preparation.
For instance, if basic sciences are your weakness, start your learning phase and then move on to your strength areas. You can, of course, restart and adjust your study schedule before the summer arrives. Your goal should be to move the DAT preparation in the right direction and as fast as possible.
DAT Eligibility Requirements
The fundamental educational requirement is to have two minimum academic years of liberal arts. However, do not take the two years at face value. In fact, some professional dental schools in Canada and the United States require three or four years of academic education.
Typically, the first-year or sophomore dental school students have a complete four-year academic education related to the dental school. Simultaneously, there are individual prerequisite courses that you will have to finish to get admission into a professional dental school. But the prerequisite courses of schools can vary. So, do not forget to contact your school to find out all the admission requirements.
DAT: Structure, Format, and Time Limit
When it comes to the DAT structure, candidates will receive all questions in the form of multiple choice. Despite your testing center, you will still get the same DAT format and structure as the other test-takers. DAT consists of four separate components or subject areas.
Apart from the break time, there is a tutorial and an optional section at the start of the test. Without the added components, the test lasts for around 4 hours and 15 minutes. However, if you add the additional components, the total time of the test becomes five hours.
Is DAT a Computer Adaptive Test?
DAT is a digitally administered exam, which means that there is an integrated countdown timer on the corner side of the main screen throughout the test. Test-takers cannot wear a mechanical or smartwatch to get access to another clock.
The thirty-minute (30) break comes in the middle of the exam. However, you can take extra breaks by getting permission from your proctor. Remember, even when you are not sitting on your computer, the countdown timer will continue to tick automatically.
Since the test is computer-adaptive, you will receive an on-screen calculator in the Quantitative Reasoning component. However, you will get a notepad to mark your notes and write calculations.
DAT Timeframe
The test could take more than 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete the Dental Admission Test. Remember; the time includes a post-exam survey and a break. However, whether you want to take a break or not is entirely up to you. Once you exclude the optional post-exam survey and break, the timeframe of the DAT becomes four hours and fifteen minutes.
Here is a complete breakdown of the time allocation for each subject area of the Dental Admission Test:
Apart from the DAT sections’ generalized time division, the four components come with variant questions and dedicated time. Here is an overview of the questions and nature of topics you can expect:
Dental Admission Test: An Overview of the Score Mechanism
Often, students are dilemmatic about the DAT scores. However, most of the confusion arises from the applicability of your score to the respective dental schools you intend to apply. Currently, the score of DAT depends on the scale range between 1 and 30.
And for every component of the DAT, the total number of multiple-choice-based items you answer correctly represents your raw score. Candidates should be aware of the fact that all multiple-choice-based questions have the same denotation of one point. Unlike other tests, you do not have to worry about unexpected penalties to mark incorrect answers on DAT.
Therefore, make sure to mark an answer for each item. Whether or not you think the answer is right, fill out the blank all the same. That said, make sure the time does not run out on a component without marking answers on all of its questions.
Raw Score, Composite Score, and Cumulative Performance
Again, do not confuse your raw score with a finalized score. The raw score represents how many questions you managed to answer correctly in a specific subject area. Thus, do not assume that this score serves as an indicator of your overall performance. In fact, dental schools get your final score to assess your performance.
And this is why the DAT score report makes it easier for you and schools to reflect your cumulative performance on the DAT exam. You can send your official score report to various dental schools of your interest. The score report shows a total scaled score.
Whether you land on 22 or 23 on the scale of 1-30, it serves as the quick mechanism for dental schools to determine the level of knowledge and abilities of the applicants. On the other hand, the raw score’s conversion into a scaled score turns every section of the DAT to calibrated group performance. For instance, a scaled score of 17 represents an average performance.
DAT Scoring Mechanism: What Else?
As much as it is vital to understand how raw score work, do not expect to see these scores in your final DAT score report. In simple terms, converting your raw score into a scalable score takes place for a better and fair assessment. After that, they send the scalable scores to your choice of dental schools.
Apart from scaled scores for separate subject areas, dental schools also receive a composite score. It is also a scaled score, but it affects your overall performance on all the DAT components. In fact, your composite score is more than just an average of all the subject areas. In short, it represents an assessed performance on your whole test.
What Constitutes a Good Score in DAT?
Every time you hear someone talk about a good DAT score, he or she refers to the average score. In fact, take a closer look at the average score when you apply in dental schools. For every administration, the scalable average scores are 17 on each subject area. It represents the 50th percentile.
However, if you want to come across as competitive, you will have to go over the 50th percentile. Today, several dental schools now demand students to have a 70th percentile range for serious consideration. One commonality that should grab your attention is that the vast majority of dental schools consider even distribution of scores across components.
Practically, it fairs well than having a good and bad score on different DAT components. Naturally, dental schools want candidates’ performance to have consistency throughout all subject areas. Since all of your component scores affect the cumulative score, make sure to improve your performance on each question of the four sections.
It means a few incorrect answers can have a negative impact on your scalable score. For instance, if you did not do well on reading comprehension, maximize your performance in the general chemistry section to balance the scalable score.
Learn to Find Your Scores
Once you finish your Dental Admission Test, you will get a non-official score report from the PTC (Prometric Testing Center). Your scalable scores are visible in this report. However, make sure you do not lose the copy of this report since it is the only time you would personally get anything.
On the other hand, the official scores’ availability takes at least three or four weeks to process after completion of your DAT exam. Your selected dental school will electronically receive the official score report after completion of your test.
Often, students decide to have another copy send to their pre-dental expert or advisor. Nonetheless, do not forget that all American dental schools need an official score report rather than the initial one. Also, the report contains the scalable score of your last four DAT attempts. Consequently, dental schools make a comparative analysis and then select preferable candidates.
The Right Way to Prepare for Dental Admission Test
The design and format of each test require a different approach to preparation. Here is how you can prepare for the DAT:
4 Subject Areas of DAT: A Complete Breakdown:
Out of all the 40 quantitative reasoning-based questions, test-takers will have to cover a wide array of college-level mathematical topics. Students will get an on-screen functional calculator. Remember, the quantitative reasoning does not contain calculus-related questions. What Can You Expect? You can expect questions related to algebra principles, foundational algebra calculations, and scientific notations. Furthermore, you should be able to understand and calculate statistical, geometric, and unit conversions. However, the most advanced topic on the DAT is undeniably trigonometry and geometry. Interestingly, almost half of the items are straightforward mathematical problems where you would have to solve equations or simplify expressions, whereas word problems comprise the rest of the QR section. Generally, you can expect math problems to come in the form of equational expressions, exponential notations, ratios, proportions, inequalities, graphical analysis, and absolute value. Concurrently, you may also get questions from data analysis, data interpretation, data sufficiency, probability. And quantitative comparison.
The PAT or Perceptual Ability Test revolves around numerous kinds of nonverbal visual items. Candidates can expect six subsections in the Perceptual Ability component. The first subsection includes two-dimensional or 2D perception, whereas the next two subsections focus on three-dimensional or 3D perception. You must read and contextualize the rules or instructions of every subsection before you start. You will need to develop a pace to finish all six subsections of the Perceptual Ability in a designated time frame. Remember, test-takers cannot bring or utilize measuring devices during this section. The good news is that you don’t have to juggle around different number of questions with each subsection. Each subsection of the Perceptual Ability comes with 15 items.
The third component of the Dental Admission Test is Reading Comprehension. Generally, you will have to follow the standard reading comprehension rules as you would in a standardized test. However, you can expect three passages comprising 14 different paragraphs. Each passage will come with 16-17 individual questions. The questions will ultimately test your ability to read, contextualize, and analyze basic textual information in a scientific manner. Therefore, make the most out of your 60 minutes to answer each question without rushed judgment. Ideally, you should take no more than 20 minutes to attempt each passage. You can allocate 8 minutes to read the entire passage and 12 minutes to answer relevant questions. It means you should be able to spend around 40-45 seconds on each question.
Natural Sciences Survey is the first and the most extensive component of the DAT. In fact, you will receive 90 minutes to complete biology, basic chemistry, and organic chemistry questions. You’d be surprised how much content you can find online on biology and chemistry-related subjects. Often, you might feel overwhelmed due to an excessive number of sub-topics. And this is where you will have to adopt a selective approach. On average, you should spend no more than 54 seconds on each problem in this section. Also, divide the content into small subsets to understand and manage the section in its entirety.
Use Of Calculator
It is imperative to understand that the four-functional standard calculator won’t be able to calculate complicated functions. Therefore, don’t mistake the performance of the four-functional calculator the same as a graphing or scientific.
Also, you cannot input numerical data into the four-functional on-screen calculator by merely typing. Instead, you will have to click each operation and number you intend to perform, which means more time and the possibility of mistakes. So, it makes sense to minimize the usage of the calculator throughout QR.
Alternatively, you can use your mental mathematical outlook to calculate from scratch. However, use the calculator when you face rare questions that include challenging long division or multiplication. Your ability to calculate from scratch will also help you in Natural Sciences Survey section.
What Rules You Have to Abide by Before and After the Test
Before the time of the test, you should accept the standard terms and conditions during registration. Fortunately, DAT’s rules of conduct are quite straightforward. Apart from the adherence to examination rules, you should have two original identification forms on the test day.
You can bring your passport or driving license as a source of identification. However, make sure your ID card has a visible signature and picture. Also, separate your primary and secondary identification before the test. The secondary identification could be your debit or credit card.
In addition, make sure the name on your primary or secondary ID card matches the name on your DAT application. After the DAT exam, you can take this time to relax and wait for the scores. You will, however, receive unofficial test scores as soon as you complete the test. It takes about three to four weeks to get the official scores. Remember, your highlighted schools during DAT registration will also receive your official scores.
DAT: Privacy and Security of the Exam
Examinees can expect complete security and privacy of their personal information throughout the DAT exam. DTS is responsible for collecting personal information and ensures it does not gets in the hands of cybercriminals. Interestingly, most integrated security features are perfect to point and prevent illegal activities and uphold the DAT exam’s legal requirements.
ADA also retains the DAT score results indefinitely to ensure test-takers’ personal information and testing records. You will have to fill out a written document regarding the release of biometric data. Also, ADA offers technical support to candidates who may not be familiar with the data security processes to further protect the integrity of the exam and personal information.
DAT: Accommodations
DAT offers appropriate testing accommodations to comply with the Disabilities Act. However, these accommodations happen to people who have documented medical conditions or disabilities and deserve all the help. You can submit a request for accommodation before the DAT exam and get approval. Remember, your accommodation approval depends on the information you submit. Therefore. Make sure it is updated and authentic prior to submission.
DAT: Cost-Structure and Fee Waiver
Currently, it costs $415 to take the DAT exam, and the fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. The fee reports the official scores to the listed dental schools on your application. As of now, ADA doesn’t provide a partial fee waiver to US-born students or resident aliens.
However, before the pandemic, the partial fee waiver could cover almost 50% of the total fee. However, it did not include any added fee for reporting score after the first application. Also, test-takers who have received a partial fee waiver in the past cannot obtain another DAT fee waiver.
DAT: Application and Registration Process
Most test-takers finish the DAT exam during their junior high school year or afterward. Although it is not common, you can attempt the DAT in the early summer after completing your sophomore year in college, assuming you take basic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology.
It is a great way to make sure foundational knowledge of science is strong. You can, of course, attempt the DAT exam on a later date of your college period. Regardless of your method to take the DAT, it is crucial to have great DAT scores at the start of the application.
Here’s the DAT registration process students can follow:
If you complete all the above registration steps, you can start studying right away.
DAT: Retake Protocol
The processing of dental school applications is not complete until the final score of DAT. Test-takers have to wait 90 days to retake the DAT exam. Practically, it is advisable to attempt the DAT exam as early as possible to get enough preparation time. Similarly, if you take DAT three times, you will have to get special permission and comply with additional retest rules.
Conclusion
Over the years, UGO Prep has continued to help online learners find out more knowledge and possess the expertise to take the DAT. Once you set up your goals, we can help you achieve your objectives realistically. Our flexible and strategic DAT Study Guide will boost your score.
We want you to find the preparation material of the Dental Admission Test all-in-one space. With UGO Prep, you will learn to study efficiently and save valuable time. Our study material can cater to your specific preparation needs. You should feel free to build your targeted practice sessions that suit your academic expertise.
We want you to get familiar with the Dental Admission Test structure and format. With enough confidence, concentration, and practical content preparation study, you’d be surprised how much you can improve. It’s a new chapter of your life where you have to raise your DAT score and stand out from other candidates.
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