A comprehensive guide to DAT preparation covering study schedules, section strategies, resource recommendations, and score goals for dental school admission.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is your gateway to dental school, and how you prepare for it can make or break your application. As a practicing dentist who scored in the 99th percentile, I've helped hundreds of pre-dental students navigate this process. Here's everything you need to know.
Understanding the DAT
The DAT is a 4-hour and 15-minute computer-based exam consisting of four sections:
- Survey of Natural Sciences (100 questions, 90 minutes) — Biology (40), General Chemistry (30), Organic Chemistry (30)
- Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) (90 questions, 60 minutes) — Spatial reasoning and visual perception
- Reading Comprehension (50 questions, 60 minutes) — Scientific passage analysis
- Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions, 45 minutes) — Math and problem-solving
The exam is scored on a scale of 1-30, with the national average typically around 19-20. Competitive dental schools generally look for scores of 20+ across all sections, with top programs expecting 22+.
Creating Your Study Schedule
The ideal DAT study timeline is 3-4 months of dedicated preparation. Here's a recommended breakdown:
Months 1-2: Content Review
Focus on building a strong foundation in all content areas. Biology and chemistry should receive the most attention, as they comprise the largest section of the exam. Use a structured course like Wizeprep DAT, which creates an adaptive study schedule based on your individual strengths and weaknesses.
Month 3: Practice & Application
Shift your focus to practice questions and full-length exams. Aim to complete at least 10-15 full-length practice tests during this phase. Analyze every wrong answer to identify patterns in your mistakes.
Month 4 (if needed): Targeted Review
Use your practice test data to identify remaining weak areas and focus your final weeks on targeted improvement. This is where adaptive technology like Wizeprep's study scheduler becomes invaluable — it automatically identifies and prioritizes your weakest areas.
Section-by-Section Strategies
Survey of Natural Sciences
- Biology: Focus on cell biology, genetics, evolution, and human anatomy/physiology. These topics appear most frequently.
- General Chemistry: Master stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.
- Organic Chemistry: Prioritize reaction mechanisms, functional groups, and stereochemistry.
Perceptual Ability Test
The PAT is unique to the DAT and requires specific practice. Key subtypes include:
- Apertures (keyholes)
- View recognition (top/front/end views)
- Angle ranking
- Paper folding
- Cube counting
- Pattern folding
Practice these daily — improvement comes from repetition and pattern recognition.
Reading Comprehension
Read scientific passages actively, noting main ideas and key details. Practice timing yourself — you have about 20 minutes per passage. Don't get bogged down in technical details; focus on understanding the passage structure and main arguments.
Quantitative Reasoning
Review fundamental math concepts: algebra, probability, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry. The questions aren't advanced but require quick, accurate calculation under time pressure.
Choosing the Right Prep Course
After reviewing every major DAT prep course, I recommend Wizeprep DAT as the best overall option. Its adaptive study scheduling technology is genuinely unique in the market and ensures you're always studying what matters most. The score guarantee provides peace of mind, and the included pre-dental advising session helps you plan your entire application strategy.
For budget-conscious students, DAT Booster offers the largest question bank at the lowest price point, making it an excellent supplementary resource.
Score Goals by School Tier
| School Tier | Target DAT Score | Academic Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10 | 23+ | 22+ |
| Top 25 | 21-23 | 20-22 |
| Mid-Tier | 19-21 | 19-21 |
| All Schools | 18+ minimum | 18+ |
Final Tips
- Start early — Don't cram for the DAT. Consistent daily study over 3-4 months produces the best results.
- Use adaptive technology — A personalized study plan is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Practice under real conditions — Take full-length practice tests in a quiet environment with strict timing.
- Review your mistakes — Every wrong answer is a learning opportunity. Understand why you got it wrong, not just what the right answer is.
- Take care of yourself — Sleep, exercise, and nutrition directly impact your cognitive performance. Don't sacrifice health for extra study hours.
The DAT is a challenging exam, but with the right preparation strategy and resources, a competitive score is absolutely achievable. Start planning your study schedule today.