When Is the Best Time to Take the DAT?

The best time to take the DAT is during the spring or summer of your junior year of college. This gives you enough time to complete prerequisite science courses, study thoroughly, and submit your AADSAS application with your scores in hand when the cycle opens in early June. The DAT is offered year-round, so your exact test date should depend on when you feel prepared.

When Is the DAT Offered?

The DAT is available year-round at Prometric testing centers throughout the United States, its territories (including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and select locations in Canada. Quebec is no longer a testing location.

There is no fixed test date schedule — you choose your own date when scheduling through Prometric. However, the ADA recommends scheduling your appointment 60–90 days before your desired test date, since popular summer slots fill up quickly.

Best Time to Take the DAT: Year-by-Year Guide

Freshman Year

You are not eligible to take the DAT yet. You must complete at least one year of undergraduate study before you can sit for the exam.

Use this time to:

• Start your prerequisite coursework in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biology
• Begin volunteering and shadowing at dental offices
• Meet with a pre-health or pre-dental advisor at your school
• Build strong study habits — they will pay off during DAT prep

Sophomore Year

You become eligible to take the DAT starting in the fall of your sophomore year. Some motivated students take the DAT in the summer after sophomore year, but this is less common.

Advantages of testing after sophomore year:

• Science classes are still fresh in your memory
• You have an extra year as a buffer to retake the exam if needed
• Your junior year is free to focus on applications, personal statement, and letters of recommendation

Potential drawback:

• You may not have completed Organic Chemistry II yet, which is helpful (though not strictly required) for the exam

Junior Year (The Most Common Choice)

The spring or summer of your junior year is the most popular — and generally recommended — time to take the DAT. The ADA specifically recommends taking the DAT "during the spring of your junior year or the summer immediately after."

The ADEA confirms that "most of those who take the DAT do so after their third year of college."

Why junior year works well:

• You have likely completed all major prerequisite courses, including Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biology, and possibly Biochemistry or Physiology
• You can study during the spring semester and take the exam in May–July, giving you scores in hand when AADSAS opens (early June)
• If you score lower than expected, you still have time for a retake before applications are reviewed

If you take the DAT during the semester, you will need to balance coursework with DAT preparation. Many students find this manageable with a structured schedule of 3–4 hours of study per day.

If you take the DAT in the summer, you can dedicate 4–6 hours per day to full-time studying, which is what many students prefer.

Senior Year and Gap Year Students

If you have already taken the DAT and are happy with your score, senior year is when you focus on interviews and finalizing your applications.

If you need to retake the DAT, the fall or winter of your senior year is a good window. You can prepare over the summer and retake early enough for your application to still be considered.

If you are taking a gap year, the ideal strategy depends on your timeline:

• Gap year before applying: Take the DAT in the summer after graduation, then apply the following June
• Gap year after applying: You should have taken the DAT before or during senior year
• Use your gap year to strengthen other parts of your application — clinical experience, research, or volunteer work

Keep in mind that DAT scores are generally accepted for 2–3 years by most dental schools, though policies vary. Check the admissions requirements of your target schools to confirm.

Aligning Your DAT With the Dental School Application Timeline

Timing your DAT is not just about your academic year — it is about how your test date fits into the AADSAS application cycle. Since most dental schools use rolling admissions, applying earlier gives you a better chance at available seats.

Key dates to remember:

• AADSAS typically opens in early June each year
• You do not need your DAT score to submit AADSAS, but most schools will not review incomplete applications
• DAT scores are usually available within 2–3 weeks after testing
• Factor in 4–6 weeks for AADSAS verification after submission

The takeaway: aim to take the DAT by June or July to keep your application on a competitive timeline.

How Long Should You Study for the DAT?

The ADEA recommends giving yourself "at least three to four months" and planning on about 200–250 hours of total study time.

Based on what students commonly report, here is a general framework:

Before you start studying, make sure you have completed (or are finishing) these prerequisite courses:

• General Chemistry I and II
• Organic Chemistry I (and ideally II)
• General Biology I and II

You can find detailed study strategies and schedules in our DAT study schedule guide and how to prepare for the DAT.

What Students Get Wrong About DAT Timing

Based on recent discussions across student forums, here are some common misconceptions — and what actually matters. These reflect student experiences and community consensus, not official policy.

"If I don't take the DAT in May, I'm too late." Not true. Many students test in June or July and submit competitive applications. Even August test-takers have been accepted, though it is tighter. The key is submitting your AADSAS application promptly and having your scores arrive before schools finish reviewing.

"I need 6+ months to study." Most students find 2.5–3 months of focused study sufficient, especially if they have a solid foundation from their prerequisite courses. Spreading study over too long a period can lead to burnout without better results.

"Taking the DAT before finishing Organic Chemistry II is impossible." While Orgo II is helpful, many students have scored well without completing it. The DAT Organic Chemistry section tests concepts that can be learned through targeted DAT prep materials alongside an Orgo I foundation.

"A higher score always beats an earlier submission." This is mostly true — but there is a balance. A strong score submitted in August is better than a mediocre score submitted in June. However, if you are scoring well on practice tests by June, there is little reason to delay.

Important DAT Facts for 2026

DAT Registration Fee

The DAT registration fee is approximately $560 (non-refundable and non-transferable). This includes administration and official score reporting to dental schools selected at the time of application. For the exact current fee, review the 2026 DAT Candidate Guide (PDF).

DAT Fee Waiver

The ADA offers a 50% partial fee waiver on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, you must meet all of these criteria:

• First-time DAT examinee
• Have not previously received a partial fee waiver
• U.S. citizen or resident alien
• Can demonstrate financial hardship
• Have received financial aid from your school

New waivers become available on April 1 each year. You can request a waiver through your DENTPIN account. Allow up to 10 business days for the ADA to review your request. Past allocations have been fully claimed quickly, so apply early.

DAT Retake Policy

According to the ADA:

• You must wait 60 days between testing attempts
• A maximum of 4 attempts are permitted within any 12-month period
• After 3 or more attempts, you must apply for permission and provide proof of recent dental school application
• After your 5th attempt, you may retest only once per 12-month period
• All scores are reported to dental schools — there is no option to cancel a score

Plan your test date with a retake buffer in mind. If you test in June and need a retake, the 60-day wait means you could retest in August, still within a competitive application window.

New DAT Scoring System (March 2025)

As of March 1, 2025, the ADA implemented a new scoring scale for the DAT:

• Old scale: 1–30 (average around 17–19)
• New scale: 200–600 (400 represents approximately the 50th percentile)

The new system provides more granular score differentiation. Scores earned before March 2025 remain valid under the old system. Check with your target schools on how they interpret the new scores. For a deeper explanation, see our DAT scoring guide.

Organic Chemistry Changes (April 2026)

In April 2026, the ADA is updating the DAT Organic Chemistry test specifications. The ADA states this is not a major content change but includes "updates to topic names that are simpler and more intuitive for candidates to understand" and a more comprehensive listing of subtopics.

If you are planning to take the DAT in May 2026 or later, review the new specifications. If you are testing before April 2026, the current specifications apply.

How Long Are DAT Scores Valid?

There is no single universal rule. Most dental schools accept DAT scores that are 2–3 years old, but each school sets its own policy. If you are planning a gap year or taking time off, check the admissions pages of your target schools to confirm how long they accept scores.

DAT Eligibility Requirements

To take the DAT, you must:

• Have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate study
• Have taken courses in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biology (recommended but not strictly enforced for registration)

How to Register for the DAT

1. Create your DENTPIN — Your Dental Personal Identification Number is used throughout the dental school application process
2. Submit your DAT application on the ADA website — a non-refundable fee is required
3. Receive your eligibility letter from the ADA confirming your application is accepted
4. Schedule your test appointment through Prometric — do this 60–90 days before your preferred date, as popular summer slots fill quickly
5. Take the DAT at your scheduled Prometric testing center

Your eligibility window is 6 months from the date of your accepted application. If you register in February, for example, you must test by August.

FAQs About When to Take the DAT

When should I take the DAT if I am taking a gap year?

If you are taking a gap year before applying, the best time to take the DAT is during the summer after your senior year. This gives you a full year to prepare your application, complete interviews, and strengthen your profile. If your gap year has already started, you can take the DAT at any point, but plan so your scores are ready before AADSAS opens.

Is 2 months enough time to study for the DAT?

Two months can be sufficient if you have completed all prerequisite courses and already have a strong science foundation. You will need a disciplined schedule of 5–6 hours of studying per day. Most students find 3 months more comfortable for thorough content review and enough practice tests. See our DAT study schedule for sample plans.

How many times can I take the DAT?

Per the ADA's retake policy, you can take the DAT up to 4 times in a 12-month period, with a mandatory 60-day wait between attempts. After 3 or more attempts, you need special permission from the ADA and proof of recent dental school application. After 5 total attempts, you are limited to once per 12-month period.

How much does it cost to take the DAT in 2026?

The DAT registration fee is approximately $560, which is non-refundable. A 50% partial fee waiver is available for eligible first-time examinees — new waivers become available April 1 each year. Check the 2026 DAT Candidate Guide for the exact current fee.

Can I take the DAT before finishing Organic Chemistry?

You can register for and take the DAT without completing Organic Chemistry II, but it is strongly recommended that you finish at least Organic Chemistry I. Many of the Organic Chemistry concepts on the DAT can be learned through prep materials, but having coursework as a foundation makes studying significantly easier.

Is taking the DAT in August considered late?

Not necessarily. An August test date means your scores will be ready by late August or early September. Your AADSAS application will not be considered complete until then, which puts you behind early applicants. However, many students with August test dates still receive interviews and acceptances. It is tighter, not impossible.

How long are DAT scores valid?

Most dental schools accept DAT scores for 2–3 years, but there is no universal expiration rule. Each school sets its own policy. If you are considering a gap year, check the specific requirements of every school on your list.

What changed with DAT scoring in 2025?

The ADA introduced a new scoring scale on March 1, 2025. The old 1–30 scale was replaced with a 200–600 scale, where 400 represents approximately the 50th percentile. This change provides more granular differentiation between scores. Learn more in our DAT scoring guide.

Do dental schools see all my DAT attempts?

Yes. All DAT scores are reported to schools — there is no option to cancel or hide a score. That said, most schools focus on your highest score, and showing improvement across attempts is generally viewed positively.

What time of day should I schedule my DAT?

Choose a time that matches when you feel most alert and focused. Many students prefer morning appointments (8:00–9:00 AM) because they are fresh and can match their practice test routine. The DAT takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes in total, so factor in the full time block.

Should I submit my AADSAS application before taking the DAT?

You can submit AADSAS without your DAT score — the score will be added automatically once available. However, most dental schools will not review your application until all components, including DAT scores, are received. Submitting early starts the verification process (which takes 4–6 weeks), so it can be strategic to submit before your scores are in.

What classes should I take before the DAT?

At minimum, complete General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I (ideally II as well), and General Biology I and II. Additional courses like Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology are helpful for the Biology section but not required. See the full DAT sections breakdown for what each section covers.

Is the DAT harder than the MCAT?

The MCAT covers a broader range of subjects (including physics, psychology, and sociology) and is a longer exam. The DAT focuses on natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most students find the MCAT more difficult overall, but the DAT's Perceptual Ability section is uniquely challenging. See our breakdown of how hard the DAT is for more context.

Can I take the DAT online?

No. The DAT must be taken in person at a Prometric testing center. There is no online or at-home testing option.