Dental School -Typical Dental School Admissions Requirements

Introduction and Overview

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA).  The Dental Admission Test is administered on computer on almost any day of the year. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. While all dental schools require examinees to participate in the DAT Program, test results are only one factor considered in evaluating the admission potential of a examinee. Validity studies conducted by the testing program have shown that test scores in conjunction with collegiate records are useful in predicting performance. The relative importance of these predictors in the admission process is determined by the dental school.

The usual pre professional education requirement for admission to dental school stipulates at least two academic years of liberal arts study; however, many dental schools in the United States require three or more years of college. Applicants should be aware that 90 percent of the first year dental class completed four years of pre-professional education and that 82 percent of the first-year dental class received a baccalaureate degree prior to dental school enrollment.

There are certain basic pre-dental education courses that must be completed prior to enrollment in dental school. Because dental schools vary with regard to the required pre-dental education courses, it is essential that the applicant contact the appropriate schools to determine specific admission requirements. The ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure supports the acquisition of a baccalaureate degree prior to dental school enrollment.

Information about the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) is available from the American Dental Education Association.

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Requirements For Participation

Successful participation in the Dental Admission Testing Program requires completion of at least one year of collegiate education, which should include courses in biology, and general and organic chemistry. Advanced level biology and physics are not required. Applicants should note that test scores are developed in relationship to all examinees participating in the examination and that most applicants complete two or more years of college before taking the examination.

Applicants to dental school should participate in the Dental Admission Testing Program well in advance of intended dental school enrollment.

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Test Session

The examinee will have a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the four tests in the DAT battery. A 15-minute break is optional after competing the second test in the battery. If an examinee opts to take the break, the testing session will resume automatically after 15 minutes have elapsed. Eating and drinking are not permitted in the testing room. Examinees may not study or refer to notes while on an unscheduled break.

The DAT battery includes:

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In addition to private practice, excellent opportunities exist in teaching and research, careers with government agencies or in industry. If you are interested in helping to prevent disease while assisting patients to maintain their health, a career as a dental hygienist may be for you. If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind and want a career with responsibility, considering dental assisting. And, the hallmarks of the qualified dental laboratory technician are skill in using small hand instruments, accuracy, artistic ability and attention to minute detail.