{"id":20855,"date":"2016-02-03T21:53:31","date_gmt":"2016-02-03T21:53:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy?page_id=20855"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:20:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T15:20:11","slug":"dat-practice-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/dat-practice-test\/","title":{"rendered":"DAT<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Practice Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Dental Admission Test (DAT<sup>&reg;<\/sup>) is administered by the American Dental Association to assess the readiness of applicants for dental education programs.<\/p>\n<p>Click \u201cStart Test\u201d to take a free DAT practice test!<\/p>\n<div class=\"buttonlinks\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/1516729870\/?tag=academy08-20\">DAT Study Guide<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/dat\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Flashcard Button', 'Flashcard Button Click', 'DAT Flashcard Click']);\">DAT Flashcards<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"DAT_Exam_Eligibility\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>DAT Exam Eligibility<\/h2>\n<p>There are no specific eligibility requirements for this exam, though it is recommended that you have completed at least one year of college education that involved biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry courses. Most DAT test-takers have completed at least two years of college before taking the exam.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"DAT_Exam_Outline\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>DAT Exam Outline<\/h2>\n<p>The DAT exam contains 280 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 4 hours and 15 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>The exam is split into four sections:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"1_Survey_of_the_Natural_Sciences_(100_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>1. Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>This section of the exam is split into three subsections, and you will be given a time limit of 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-top: -1em;\">Biology (40 questions)<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0.5em;\">\n<li>Cellular biology<\/li>\n<li>Molecular biology<\/li>\n<li>Diversity of life<\/li>\n<li>Structure and function of systems<\/li>\n<li>Genetics<\/li>\n<li>Evolution<\/li>\n<li>Ecology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary>General Chemistry (30 questions)<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 17px;\">An image of the periodic table will be available for reference during this subsection.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\n<li>Stoichiometry<\/li>\n<li>Gases, liquids, and solids<\/li>\n<li>Solutions<\/li>\n<li>Acids and bases<\/li>\n<li>Chemical equilibria<\/li>\n<li>Thermodynamics and thermochemistry<\/li>\n<li>Chemical kinetics<\/li>\n<li>Oxidation-reduction reactions<\/li>\n<li>Atomic and molecular structure<\/li>\n<li>Periodic properties<\/li>\n<li>Nuclear reactions<\/li>\n<li>Laboratory<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\">Organic Chemistry (30 questions)<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: -0.5em;\">\n<li>Mechanisms<\/li>\n<li>Chemical and physical properties of molecules<\/li>\n<li>Chemical synthesis<\/li>\n<li>Acid-base chemistry<\/li>\n<li>Structural evaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<h3><span id=\"2_Perceptual_Ability_(90_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>2. Perceptual Ability (90 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>This section of the exam is split into six subsections, and you will be given a time limit of one hour.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Apertures<\/li>\n<li>3D form development<\/li>\n<li>Paper folding<\/li>\n<li>View recognition<\/li>\n<li>Cube counting<\/li>\n<li>Angle discrimination<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span id=\"3_Reading_Comprehension_(50_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>3. Reading Comprehension (50 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>This section of the exam requires you to read three passages and answer the corresponding questions. Each passage will be about a different scientific topic, and everything you need to answer the questions is contained within each passage. You will be given a time limit of one hour to complete this section.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"4_Quantitative_Reasoning_(40_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>4. Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions)<\/h3>\n<p>This section of the exam covers various mathematical problems, including applied mathematics problems. You will be provided with a digital four-function calculator to use during this section, and you will be given a time limit of 45 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/DAT-Exam-Outline-01.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-163052\" role=\"img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/DAT-Outline-01.svg\" alt=\"exam outline for the DAT exam, which contains 280 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 4 hours and 15 minutes\" width=\"540.5\" height=\"469.2\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check out Mometrix's DAT Study Guide<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/1516729870\/?tag=academy08-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Study Guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/1516729870\/?tag=academy08-20\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"184\" height=\"238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/dat-29876.jpg\" alt=\" Study Guide\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Registration\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Registration<\/h2>\n<p>To register for the DAT exam, you must first obtain a Dental Personal Identification Number (DENTPIN), which you can do by visiting the ADA&#8217;s website. Once you have a DENTPIN, you can submit an online application, which should include the examination fee of $560.<\/p>\n<p>Once your application has been approved, you will be provided with instructions on how to schedule a day and time for your exam.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"How_to_Pass\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How to Pass<\/h2>\n<p>Think you aren\u2019t a good test-taker? Maybe on a study-time crunch? Or just don\u2019t know how to begin studying? Mometrix has designed a new Study Secrets course to help every student, no matter what study scenario you are in. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll find in the Study Secrets Course:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Techniques to Conquer Procrastination<\/li>\n<li>Steps to building a Study Plan custom to your learning style<\/li>\n<li>7 Effective Note-Taking Methods<\/li>\n<li>Test-Taking Tips<\/li>\n<li>Memory Techniques and Mnemonics<\/li>\n<li>And much more!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Everyone learns differently, so we\u2019ve tailored our Study Secrets Course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for their upcoming exam or semester. Click below to check it out!<\/p>\n<div class=\"buttonlinks\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/university\/studysecrets\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Course Button', 'Course Click', Study Course Click']);\">Study Secrets Online Course<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Test_Day\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Test Day<\/h2>\n<p>You should arrive at the testing center around 30 minutes early to allow enough time for the check-in process. Once you arrive, the administration vendor will biometrically scan your palm vein and\/or fingerprint for security and identification purposes, and you will be asked to provide a valid form of government-issued identification.<\/p>\n<p>Before you enter the testing area, any eyeglasses and hair accessories will be removed and inspected. No personal items or jewelry will be permitted in the testing room.<\/p>\n<p>Once the vendor has determined you are ready, you will be led to the testing area, where you will have the option to take a 15-minute tutorial before starting the exam.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Scoring\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Scoring<\/h2>\n<p>The ADA uses a scaled scoring system for the DAT exam. This means that your raw score, which is simply the number of questions you answered correctly, is converted to a standard score set on a scale of 1 to 30.<\/p>\n<p>There is no set passing score for the DAT, but a scaled score of 19 is generally considered an average score.<\/p>\n<p>You will receive an unofficial score report before you leave the testing center, and you will be sent an official score report within 3 to 4 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check out Mometrix's DAT Flashcards<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get complex  subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button blue-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/dat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Flashcards<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/dat\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"184\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/datflash.jpg\" alt=\" Flashcards\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"FAQs\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-list\">\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How many questions are on the DAT exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>There are 280 multiple-choice questions on the exam.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How long is the DAT exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The time limit for this exam is 4 hours and 15 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is the DAT exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The DAT, which is short for Dental Admission Test, is a test used to assess the readiness of test-takers who plan to apply for dental education programs.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How much is the DAT exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The examination fee for this exam is $560.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is the passing score for the DAT exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>There is no set passing score for this exam. The average score is a scaled score of 19.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"author\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" class=\"author-bio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"author-image\" height=\"127\" width=\"127\" alt=\"Headshot of Mometrix associate Peter Rench.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Peter-Rench-scaled.webp\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">By <span itemprop=\"name\">Peter Rench<\/span><\/p><div class=\"author-desc\"><p>Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&amp;M University.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"editor\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" class=\"author-bio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"author-image\" height=\"127\" width=\"127\" alt=\"Aaron Lanni profile pic\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image_2024-12-11_124906662.png\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">Edited by <span itemprop=\"name\">Aaron Lanni<\/span><\/p><div class=\"author-desc\"><p>Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix\u2019s quality and accessibility standards.<\/p>\n<\/div><p class=\"alignright author-desc author-link\"><a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/editorial-guidelines\/\">Learn more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> \u2192<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/\">Mometrix Academy &#8211; Home<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">DAT is a registered trademark of Pearson Education, Inc., which is not affiliated with Mometrix Test Preparation and does not endorse this page.<\/p>\n<p class=\"amazon-disclaimer\">Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Dental Admission Test (DAT&reg;) is administered by the American Dental Association to assess the readiness of applicants for dental education programs. Click \u201cStart Test\u201d to take a free DAT practice test! DAT Study Guide DAT Exam Eligibility There are no specific eligibility requirements for this exam, though it is recommended that you have completed &#8230; <a title=\"DAT&reg; Practice Test\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/dat-practice-test\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about DAT&reg; Practice Test\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":271939,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-20855","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-graduate-and-professional-school","7":"page_type-exam-overview","8":"page_domain-dat"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20855"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20855\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":290939,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20855\/revisions\/290939"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/271939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}