If you're applying to dental school, understanding DAT scoring helps you set realistic score goals and make better retake decisions.
- The DAT now uses a 200-600 scale in 10-point increments.
- Schools evaluate your scaled section scores, Academic Average (AA), and often Total Science (TS).
- Since March 1, 2025, unofficial score printouts are no longer provided at the test center.
- Official scores are reported after post-test processing under ADA's current scoring/reporting workflow.
- See the official ADA DAT scoring update.
Our recommended DAT prep course:
How DAT Scoring Works in 2026
1) Raw score vs scaled score
On the DAT, your raw score is how many questions you answered correctly in a section. Your reported score is a scaled score, which is what schools use.
The ADA uses psychometric equating so candidates are compared fairly across different test forms.
2) New score scale (200-600)
For DAT administrations on and after March 1, 2025, scores are reported on a 200 to 600 scale in 10-point increments, as shown in the official new DAT score reporting scale guide.
3) Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS)
- Academic Average (AA): Rounded average of Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning (PAT is not included).
- Total Science (TS): For administrations after March 1, 2025, reported under the post-change scoring approach.
These details are summarized on the ADA DAT scores page.
4) Unscored items and guessing
The DAT includes a small number of experimental questions that are not scored, and there is no penalty for guessing.
DAT Score Range (200 to 600)
A DAT score is a scaled score on a fixed 200 to 600 range, reported in 10-point increments. The same scale applies to every section score, your Academic Average (AA), and Total Science (TS).
| Marker | Score |
|---|---|
| Lowest possible | 200 |
| National average | ~400 (about the 50th percentile) |
| Highest possible | 600 |
What's the average DAT score?
The average AA is about 400, which lands near the 50th percentile on the new scale. Breaking 420-440+ puts you above most test-takers.
What's the highest possible DAT score?
The highest DAT score is 600, equivalent to a perfect 30 on the old 1-30 scale. In practice, scores in the 480-500+ range are already elite, so you do not need a 600 to be competitive.
DAT Sections, Questions, and Timing
Structure and timing align with the official 2026 DAT Candidate Guide:
| DAT section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Survey of the Natural Sciences | 100 | 90 min |
| Perceptual Ability | 90 | 60 min |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 | 60 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 | 45 min |
Total administration time: about 5 hours 15 minutes.
If you want section-by-section prep strategy, see DAT sections breakdown, DAT quantitative reasoning guide, and DAT reading comprehension guide.
How each section is scored
Every section is reported on the same 200 to 600 scale. There is no single "aiming score" for each section, but balance matters - schools read section scores alongside your AA, so one weak science section can drag down an otherwise strong profile.
| Reported score | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Section scores (Bio, GC, OC, RC, QR, PAT) | Individual 200-600 scaled scores |
| Academic Average (AA) | Average of Bio, GC, OC, RC, QR (PAT excluded) |
| Total Science (TS) | Combined science performance |
As a rough target, aiming for ~430+ (about the 75th percentile) across your science sections keeps both your AA and TS competitive for many programs.
What Is a Good DAT Score on the New Scale?
There is no single universal cutoff. A "good" score depends on your target schools, GPA context, and section balance.
The ADA percentile table gives practical benchmarks:
| AA score (new scale) | Approx percentile |
|---|---|
| 390 | 47th |
| 400 | 54th |
| 420 | 69th |
| 430 | 75th |
| 440 | 81st |
| 470 | 91st |
| 490 | 96th |
Practical use:
- Build a school list.
- Compare your scores against admitted-student data from official school sources.
- Watch for section-level weaknesses even if AA looks solid.
How competitive is your DAT score?
| AA score | Competitiveness |
|---|---|
| ~400 | National average; baseline |
| 420-430 | Above average; competitive for many programs |
| 440+ | Strong; about the 81st percentile and up, target for competitive schools |
| 470+ | Elite; about the 91st percentile, strong for selective programs |
These bands are directional - always confirm each school's published admitted-student DAT data.
DAT percentiles explained
Your percentile is the share of test-takers who scored below you, not the percent of questions you answered correctly. On the current ADA table, a 400 AA is about the 50th percentile, 430 about the 75th, and 470 about the 91st. If you are reading an older 1-30 score (for example, "what percentile is a 20?"), convert it to the new scale using the section below before interpreting its percentile.
For planning, use DAT prep course options, DAT practice tests, and the DAT score calculator.
Old DAT to New DAT Conversion (Quick Examples)
Many applicants still compare older 1-30 references to the new scale. Quick equivalents:
- Old 18 AA ~ New 390 AA
- Old 20 AA ~ New 420 AA
- Old 22 AA ~ New 460 AA
- Old 23 AA ~ New 470 AA
- Old 24 AA ~ New 490 AA
When Are DAT Scores Released?
For modern DAT administrations:
- No unofficial printout at the test center.
- Official results are reported electronically after processing.
- ADA guidance indicates reporting typically takes around a few weeks.
For timeline planning, see best time to take the DAT and how to prepare for the DAT.
DAT Scoring FAQs
What is a good DAT score?
On the new scale, about 400 AA is average, 430+ is competitive (around the 75th percentile), and 470+ is elite (around the 91st percentile). What counts as "good" ultimately depends on your target schools and section balance.
Is 400 a good DAT score?
A 400 AA is around the 54th percentile, which is around the national midpoint. It can be viable depending on your school list and overall application profile.
Is 430 or 440 competitive?
430 ~ 75th percentile and 440 ~ 81st percentile, which is generally more competitive than average.
What percentile is a 470 DAT score?
A 470 AA is about the 91st percentile.
Do dental schools still accept old 1-30 DAT scores?
Yes. Legacy 2-digit scores remain valid, and systems now present results on the 3-digit framework for interpretation.
Do you get DAT scores immediately after the test?
No. For administrations since March 1, 2025, unofficial test-center score reports are no longer provided.
How long should I wait before a DAT retake?
Current ADA policy states candidates must wait 60 days between attempts.
Does the DAT include unscored questions?
Yes. A small number of questions are experimental and unscored.
How should I use my score to decide next steps?
Use percentile context, section balance, target schools, and timeline. Then decide whether gains are more likely from a retake or from strengthening the rest of your application.
For prep planning, see DAT study schedule, how hard is the DAT, and DAT perceptual ability guide.
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