How Long is the DAT? What to Expect on Test Day
/A Complete DAT time breakdown, plus answers to common test day questions
Introduction
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is arguably the most consequential assessment on your journey to dental school. Your score on this one exam, along with your GPA and extracurriculars, will form the backbone of your application and is one of the first markers adcoms see when evaluating whether to extend you an interview.
Understandably, with so much on the line, taking the DAT can be incredibly intimidating. Preparation for the exam can take months, and when test day finally arrives, you’ll want to be absolutely sure you know what to expect. Possessing a bird’s eye view of the test day landscape can go a long way to calming some of those pre-exam nerves.
We’ve put together this guide with exactly that in mind. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions and a complete time breakdown of each DAT section so that you’re properly prepared for the big day.
How long is the DAT?
If you plan to take the DAT as a normal test-taker—without accommodations, taking all breaks offered, and joining in the tutorial and survey—your overall testing time comes to 5 hours and 15 minutes. The total time you’ll spend engaged with the actual content of the DAT comes to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
We’ve placed a complete breakdown of how you’ll spend test day in the table below.
| DAT Section | Length | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
Keep in mind, we haven’t included any incidental activities you’ll undertake as a result of taking the DAT. For example, you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to prepare yourself for the day, drive or take public transportation to the testing center, and find parking. Make sure you arrive ready to go with plenty of energy for the next 5+ hours.
(Suggested reading: The Ideal DAT Study Schedule (1 Month, 2 Months, 3 Months, 4 Months))
Test day FAQ
Over the years, we’ve encountered plenty of questions from students about what happens on test day for the DAT. We’ve listed some of the most common ones with our answers below.
Where is the DAT administered?
The DAT is administered at Prometric testing locations. You can view these locations on Prometric’s website or when you are registering to take the DAT. You must first indicate that you want to take the DAT before you are shown the locations available near you.
What do I need to bring to take the DAT?
Make sure you arrive at the testing center with two original, unexpired forms of identification. One should have your photograph and signature such as a driving license, and the other can have just your signature, such as a social security card or bank card. Prometric notes that the name on your IDs must match your application exactly.
What am I allowed to bring to the DAT exam?
Any personal items you bring with you (phone, notebooks, watches, headphones, highlighters, study materials) will be stored in a locker and cannot be accessed by you during breaks. The ADA is very clear that personal items are not allowed to be with you during the exam.
Can you chew gum during the DAT exam?
No, you are not allowed to bring food, gum, or candy into the testing area.
Can you bring a calculator to the DAT?
No, this falls under the category of prohibited personal items.
Can you go to the bathroom during the DAT?
If you need to use the restroom during the exam and you can’t wait until a scheduled break, this would fall under what the ADA calls an ‘unscheduled break,’ meaning you will have to go through exam security in order to use the bathroom. This is not recommended, so prepare yourself to use the bathroom during the scheduled 30-minute break.
What test taking resources are provided by the test center?
Your DAT testing center will provide you with two note boards and two fine tip markers to use to write down any thought processes you may have during the examination. It is possible you may get scratch paper and/or pencils, but this is not likely, and any of these that you bring will be prohibited.
You should plan on using only what is provided to you.
How many times can I take the DAT?
You are allowed to take the DAT up to four times in one year, but you must wait 60 days between attempts. If you’ve already attempted the DAT three times, you will need to apply for permission to take it again.
How many questions are in each DAT section?
The number of questions varies by section on the DAT. You’ll have 90 questions for the Perceptual Ability section, 50 for Reading Comprehension, 100 in the Survey of the Natural Sciences section, and 40 for Quantitative Reasoning.
Final thoughts
Your DAT test day doesn’t have to be a stressful affair. Being as informed as possible about what you’ll encounter and having a detailed plan in place will go a long way to easing your nerves. Armed with the comprehensive timeline in this guide, you’ll be better prepared and focused on achieving your highest DAT score, giving you the best chance of entry into the school of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on dental school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into dental school using his exclusive approach.
