Canadian DAT vs. American DAT: Key Differences Explained

The Canadian DAT (Dental Aptitude Test) and the American DAT (Dental Admission Test) are two separate exams run by two different organizations. They share some overlap, but they differ in content, scoring, fees, and which dental schools accept them.

If you are applying to dental schools in Canada, the United States, or both, understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right exam and preparing effectively.

Key takeaways

• The Canadian DAT is administered by the CDA (Canadian Dental Association); the American DAT is administered by the ADA (American Dental Association).
• The American DAT includes Organic Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning sections that the Canadian DAT does not have.
• As of March 2025, the American DAT uses a new 200–600 scoring scale, while the Canadian DAT still uses a 1–30 scale.
• The Canadian DAT registration fee is $585 CAD (2026); check the ADA candidate guide for the current American DAT fee.
• The Canadian DAT's Manual Dexterity Test is currently suspended.
• Most Canadian dental schools require the Canadian DAT, though some also accept the American DAT. The American DAT is accepted by all U.S. dental schools and select Canadian schools.

Canadian DAT vs. American DAT at a Glance

How Each Exam Is Structured

Both exams are computer-based and administered at Prometric testing centers. Here is the section-by-section breakdown.

Canadian DAT Format

The French DAT includes all sections except Reading Comprehension, so the second scheduled break is also omitted.

For more on the individual sections, see our guides to DAT Biology, DAT PAT, and DAT Reading Comprehension.

American DAT Format

For a deeper look at the American DAT layout, see our complete DAT sections breakdown.

Key Differences Between the Canadian DAT and American DAT

Exam Content

The biggest content difference is straightforward: the American DAT tests more subjects.

• Organic Chemistry — The American DAT includes 30 Organic Chemistry questions as part of the Survey of Natural Sciences. The Canadian DAT does not test OChem at all. If Organic Chemistry is not your strong suit, this is a meaningful consideration. See our Organic Chemistry on the DAT guide for topic details.

• Quantitative Reasoning — The American DAT has a dedicated 40-question Quantitative Reasoning section covering algebra, data analysis, probability, and statistics. There is no math section on the Canadian DAT.

• Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) — The Canadian DAT traditionally includes a Manual Dexterity Test involving soap carving to exact specifications. However, the CDA has suspended the MDT due to COVID-19 restrictions and logistical challenges, and it has not yet been reinstated. The American DAT has never included a manual dexterity component.

• Biology differences — Both exams test Biology, but the topic lists differ. The Canadian DAT covers areas like cladistics, ecosystems, and developmental biology. The American DAT removed developmental biology in 2022 but added topics such as viruses, archaebacteria, genomics, gene expression, and epigenetics. Check the CDA DAT Candidate Guide and the ADA DAT Candidate Guide for the full biology topic lists.

Scoring Systems

This is one of the most significant differences following the March 2025 changes.

Canadian DAT — Scores are reported on a 1-to-30 scale. Scores are based on the number of correct responses, with no penalty for guessing. There is no unofficial score report at the testing center.

American DAT — Beginning March 1, 2025, the ADA replaced the old 1-to-30 scale with a new 3-digit scale ranging from 200 to 600 (in 10-point increments). The ADA published a concordance table to help convert between the old and new scales. For example, an old score of 20 roughly converts to 420–430 on the new scale, depending on the section.

Another major change: unofficial scores are no longer available at the testing center for the American DAT. Both exams now require waiting approximately 3–4 weeks for official results.

For a deeper dive into scoring, check our DAT scoring guide and our DAT score calculator.

Fees and Refund Policies

Canadian DAT — The registration fee is $585 CAD (as of January 2026). This includes the test administration, a student transcript, and up to 5 official transcripts sent to dental schools. The fee is partially refundable: within 30 days (minus $150 + tax admin fee) or within 31–90 days (minus $250 + tax). After 90 days, the fee is non-refundable. See the CDA DAT page for the latest fees.

American DAT — The ADA does not list the fee directly on its website. Check the ADA DAT Candidate Guide for the current fee. The American DAT fee is generally non-refundable, though partial fee waivers (50% of the fee) are available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible first-time candidates who demonstrate financial hardship.

Retake Policies

Canadian DAT — You must wait at least 60 days between attempts. After three or more attempts, you may retest only once per 12-month period and must provide evidence of recent dental school applications within the past 18 months. You must receive your scores from a previous attempt before re-registering.

American DAT — You must also wait 60 days between attempts, with a maximum of four attempts per 12-month period. After five or more attempts, candidates may retest only once per 12-month period and must apply for permission with proof of recent dental school applications.

Language Options

The Canadian DAT is offered in both English and French. The French version includes all sections except Reading Comprehension. The American DAT is offered in English only.

Similarities Between the Two Exams

Despite the differences, the two exams share several common features:

• Year-round availability — Both exams are offered throughout the year at Prometric testing centers.
• Computer-based delivery — Both exams are taken on a computer. (The Canadian DAT transitioned from paper-based to computer-based in 2022.)
• Shared content areas — General Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, and Reading Comprehension are covered on both exams with similar scope and question counts.
• No guessing penalty — On both exams, scores are based solely on correct answers. You should answer every question.
• Experimental questions — Both exams contain unscored experimental questions mixed in with scored questions. There is no way to distinguish them during the test.
• Multiple-choice format — All questions on both exams are multiple choice.

Which Dental Schools Accept Each Exam?

This is often the deciding factor when choosing which exam to take.

Canadian DAT acceptance:

• Accepted by all 10 Canadian dental schools
• Also accepted by many American dental schools (though not all)

American DAT acceptance:

• Accepted by all U.S. dental schools
• Accepted by some Canadian dental schools, but not all — some Canadian programs specifically require the Canadian DAT

According to the ADEA, if you are applying to a Canadian dental school, you will generally need the Canadian DAT. Some Canadian schools accept the American DAT, but many do not. If you are applying only to American schools, the American DAT is the clear choice.

If you are applying to schools in both countries, taking the Canadian DAT gives you the broadest coverage, since it is accepted at most American schools as well. However, verify acceptance with each school's admissions office before making your decision.

Which Exam Should You Take?

There is no universally "better" exam — the right choice depends on your situation. Here is a decision framework:

Take the Canadian DAT if:

• You are applying primarily to Canadian dental schools
• You want to avoid Organic Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning
• You want a shorter exam with fewer sections to prepare for
• You are applying to Canadian-friendly American schools that accept the cDAT

Take the American DAT if:

• You are applying primarily to U.S. dental schools
• You are strong in Organic Chemistry and math (QR can boost your Academic Average)
• You want maximum flexibility to apply anywhere in the U.S.
• The Canadian dental schools you are targeting accept the American DAT

Consider your strengths:

• If Organic Chemistry is a weak area, the Canadian DAT removes that variable entirely
• If you are strong in math, the American DAT's Quantitative Reasoning section can raise your overall Academic Average
• The Canadian DAT Biology section is considered more challenging by some students due to topics like cladistics, though others say this difficulty is overstated

Study time: The American DAT generally requires more preparation time since it covers more subjects. Students preparing for the Canadian DAT often dedicate 6–10 weeks, while American DAT prep timelines are typically 10–14 weeks. See our DAT study schedule for planning guidance.

What Students Say About Each Exam

Based on recent discussions in forums like r/predental and Student Doctor Network, here are common themes:

• "The cDAT is less versatile" — Many students note that while the Canadian DAT covers fewer topics, it is accepted at fewer American schools, which can limit options.
• "Biology is harder on the cDAT" — Several test-takers report that the Canadian DAT Biology section uses more complex wording and tests niche topics like cladistics more heavily.
• "The aDAT takes longer to prepare for" — The extra Organic Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning sections add significant prep time.
• "Choose based on where you're applying" — This is the most common advice. Decide your target schools first, then pick the exam that those schools accept.
• "Most people would score higher on the cDAT with the same prep time" — Because the Canadian DAT covers fewer subjects, students can focus their study more narrowly.

These are anecdotal experiences and may not reflect your own outcome. Always base your decision on official school requirements and your personal academic background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canadian DAT easier than the American DAT?

It depends on the section. The Canadian DAT covers fewer topics overall (no Organic Chemistry, no math), which makes it quicker to prepare for. However, some students find the Canadian DAT Biology section harder due to topics like cladistics and more complex question wording. The American DAT has more sections but is sometimes described as more straightforward in its questioning style.

Does the Canadian DAT have Organic Chemistry?

No. The Canadian DAT does not test Organic Chemistry. Only the American DAT includes a 30-question Organic Chemistry section as part of the Survey of Natural Sciences. Learn more in our Organic Chemistry on the DAT guide.

Does the Canadian DAT have math?

No. There is no Quantitative Reasoning or math section on the Canadian DAT. The American DAT includes a 40-question Quantitative Reasoning section.

Do Canadian dental schools accept the American DAT?

Some do, but most Canadian dental schools require the Canadian DAT specifically. A few Canadian schools accept either exam. Always confirm directly with each school's admissions office. The ADEA recommends taking the Canadian DAT if you are applying to Canadian schools.

Do American dental schools accept the Canadian DAT?

Many U.S. dental schools accept the Canadian DAT, but not all. DATCrusher maintains a list of Canadian-friendly American dental schools. Verify with each program before relying on the Canadian DAT alone for U.S. applications.

How is the American DAT scored now?

Since March 1, 2025, the American DAT uses a 200-to-600 scale in 10-point increments, replacing the old 1-to-30 scale. The ADA provides a concordance table to convert between the two scales. The Canadian DAT still uses the 1-to-30 scale.

How much does the Canadian DAT cost?

The Canadian DAT registration fee is $585 CAD as of January 2026. This includes the test, a student transcript, and up to 5 official transcripts to dental schools. Additional transcripts cost $20 each at registration. Partial refunds are available within 90 days minus an administrative fee.

Is the Canadian DAT still on paper?

No. The Canadian DAT transitioned to computer-based testing at Prometric centers in 2022. Both the Canadian and American DATs are now computer-based.

How long is the Canadian DAT?

The total administration time for the Canadian DAT is 3 hours and 50 minutes, including the optional tutorial and post-test survey. The actual testing time (SNS + PAT + RC with breaks) is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Can I take both the Canadian and American DAT?

Yes, you can take both exams. They are administered independently by different organizations. Some students take both to maximize their application options, though this requires preparing for additional content on the American DAT (Organic Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning).

What is the Manual Dexterity Test on the Canadian DAT?

The Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) involves carving a piece of soap according to exact specifications. However, the CDA has suspended the MDT due to COVID-19 restrictions and logistical challenges. It has not been reinstated. Check the CDA website for updates. The American DAT does not include a manual dexterity component.