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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.