United States · Admission testWhat are the DAT test requirements?
When you apply, you certify that you’re taking the DAT for its purpose: admission to a dental education program. ADA’s rules say you can’t take it on someone else’s behalf, to practice or to get an early look at the content, and it can withdraw your eligibility if it looks like you are.
Applying to a Canadian school? ADA asks you to confirm that the school accepts its DAT before you apply.
What classes do you need before the DAT?
ADA’s Candidate Guide says successful test takers usually have at least one year of college, including biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, and that most have done two or more years. Advanced biology and physics aren’t required.
ADA’s DAT page puts it simply: take the test after the relevant courses, especially organic chemistry.
How many times can you take the DAT?
- Wait at least 60 days between attempts.
- No more than four attempts in any 12 months. After four, your next try waits until 12 months after the first of them.
- With three or more attempts, you need ADA’s permission to test again, every time. Email DATexam@ADA.org with proof you’ve applied to dental school in the last 18 months, such as a submitted ADEA AADSAS application or a dental school’s letter.
- After your fifth attempt, you can test only once every 12 months.
- These rules can’t be appealed.
An attempt counts once you’ve sat down and accepted the confidentiality statement. Your scores can’t be voided once you start, and schools see your history of every attempt.
What you need on test day
Two original, current IDs that match your application, and nothing else in the room. The full list of ID and room rules is on our test-center page.
Sources: ADA and 1 more. Checked October 2026.
- ADA: Dental Admission Test (DAT) 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF), Eligibility Requirements, Retesting Policy, Results Reports, Rules of Conduct ↗
- ADA: Dental Admission Test (DAT) ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.