DAT Sections Breakdown: Questions, Times, and Scores

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) has four main sections: Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. In total, you will answer 280 multiple-choice questions over approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including an optional tutorial and breaks.

Understanding each section — what it tests, how many questions it has, and how much time you get — is essential for building a study plan and developing pacing strategies. This guide breaks down every section in detail.

Key takeaways

• The DAT has 4 main sections and 280 total questions.
• Survey of Natural Sciences: 100 questions in 90 minutes (Biology, Gen Chem, Organic Chemistry).
• Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): 90 questions in 60 minutes across 6 spatial reasoning subsections.
• Reading Comprehension: 50 questions in 60 minutes based on 3 science passages.
• Quantitative Reasoning: 40 questions in 45 minutes — the only section with a calculator.
• As of March 2025, DAT scores use a 200–600 scale (replacing the old 1–30 scale).

DAT Sections at a Glance

DAT Section Order and Test Day Timeline

The DAT follows a fixed section order. Here is the full test day timeline, including breaks:

The breaks between sections are optional — you can skip them and move straight to the next section if you prefer. However, most students recommend using at least the break between Natural Sciences and PAT to reset mentally.

Section 1: Survey of Natural Sciences (100 Questions, 90 Minutes)

The Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS) is the first and longest section. It is divided into three subtests that are presented in a fixed order: Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

You have 90 minutes total for all 100 questions. There is no separate timer for each subtest — you can allocate your time across the three subjects however you choose.

Biology (40 Questions)

Biology is the largest individual subject on the DAT. The questions cover a broad range of topics, with an emphasis on understanding how biological systems interact rather than memorizing isolated facts.

Topic breakdown (approximate percentages from ADA examination specifications):

What to expect: Questions are integrative — you may need to connect concepts across topics (e.g., how a genetic mutation affects a physiological system). Focus on understanding core concepts and high-yield topics like cell division, organ systems, genetics, and taxonomy rather than memorizing every detail.

Suggested pacing: ~30 seconds per question (20 minutes total for Biology).

For more detail, see our complete DAT Biology guide.

General Chemistry (30 Questions)

General Chemistry tests your understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts. Expect both conceptual questions and calculation-based problems.

Topic breakdown:

What to expect: You will not have a calculator for this section (or anywhere in the SNS). Calculation problems are designed to be solvable with mental math and estimation. Focus on understanding what variables represent and how they relate, not just memorizing formulas.

Suggested pacing: ~75 seconds per question (37 minutes total for Gen Chem).

Organic Chemistry (30 Questions)

Organic Chemistry focuses on reactions, mechanisms, functional groups, nomenclature, and stereochemistry. The emphasis is on understanding patterns and generalizations rather than memorizing long lists of specific reactions.

Topic breakdown:

What to expect: Learn reactions by functional group, not by textbook chapter. Understanding why a reaction occurs helps you solve problems you have never seen before. If you have not completed Organic Chemistry II, the DAT-relevant material can still be learned through targeted DAT prep courses.

Suggested pacing: ~60 seconds per question (30 minutes total for Orgo).

April 2026 update: The ADA is updating the Organic Chemistry test specifications in April 2026. The update includes "simpler and more intuitive" topic names and a more comprehensive listing of subtopics, but is not a major content change. If you are testing in May 2026 or later, review the new specifications.

Time management for the entire SNS section: After spending approximately 20 minutes on Biology, 37 on General Chemistry, and 30 on Organic Chemistry, you have about 3 minutes left to review flagged questions before the section ends.

Section 2: Perceptual Ability Test (90 Questions, 60 Minutes)

The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) measures your spatial visualization and reasoning skills — abilities that are directly relevant to clinical dentistry (interpreting X-rays, working with dental models, understanding 3D tooth structures).

The PAT has 6 subsections with 15 questions each:

What to expect: PAT is widely considered one of the most challenging DAT sections because it tests a skill — spatial reasoning — that most students have not practiced before. However, it is also one of the most improvable sections with consistent daily practice.

Study tips:

• Practice PAT every day for at least 30 minutes, starting early in your study period
• Use PAT generators (available in DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp) for unlimited practice
• Keyholes and Top-Front-End are typically the hardest — give them extra time
• Develop systematic strategies for each subsection rather than relying on intuition

Suggested pacing: ~40 seconds per question. Move quickly — do not spend more than a minute on any single question.

For strategies and practice, see our full PAT study guide.

Section 3: Reading Comprehension (50 Questions, 60 Minutes)

Reading Comprehension presents 3 science-based passages (typically topics you have never studied before) with approximately 16–17 questions each. The passages are drawn from published scientific works and cover topics in dental and basic sciences.

What it tests: Your ability to read, understand, and analyze dense scientific writing quickly. You do not need prior knowledge of the passage topics — all answers are found within the text.

Question Types

Study tips:

• Practice with dense, unfamiliar science passages under timed conditions
• Try the "search and destroy" method: read the questions first, then scan the passage for answers. Many students find this more efficient than reading the full passage first.
• Aim for 20 minutes per passage (including questions)
• RC is one of the easier sections to improve with practice

Suggested pacing: ~72 seconds per question (20 minutes per passage).

For more strategies, see our DAT Reading Comprehension guide.

Section 4: Quantitative Reasoning (40 Questions, 45 Minutes)

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) is the final section. It tests your math proficiency and problem-solving skills. This is the only section where a calculator is provided — a basic on-screen calculator appears at your testing station.

Topic breakdown:

What to expect: The 40 questions include approximately 30 standard math problems and 10 applied mathematics (word) problems. Despite having a calculator, students are advised to practice mental math — the on-screen calculator is slow, and speed is critical.

Study tips:

• Review core concepts: fractions, percentages, probability, basic trigonometry, unit conversions
• Practice estimating answers before calculating — it catches errors and saves time
• Focus on word problems and data interpretation, which make up 60% of the section
• If math is a weakness, dedicate extra study time to QR early in your prep

Suggested pacing: ~67 seconds per question.

How the DAT Is Scored

As of March 1, 2025, the ADA uses a new scoring scale ranging from 200 to 600, where 400 represents approximately the 50th percentile. The old 1–30 scale is no longer used for new test-takers, though scores earned before March 2025 remain valid under the old system.

What Scores Are Reported?

Your DAT score report includes 8 individual scores:

The Academic Average (AA) is the score most dental schools focus on when evaluating applicants. It weights all sections equally, so balanced performance across sections matters.

What Is a Competitive DAT Score?

Under the new scoring system, here are general benchmarks:

Most competitive dental programs look for Academic Average scores above the 50th percentile. Top-tier programs typically expect scores in the 75th percentile or higher. For detailed percentile breakdowns, see our DAT scoring guide.

Pacing Strategies by Section

Time management is one of the biggest challenges on the DAT. Here is a quick reference for recommended pacing:

General tips:

• Never leave a question unanswered — there is no penalty for guessing on the DAT
• Flag difficult questions and return to them after finishing easier ones
• Practice full-length timed tests to build stamina and refine your pacing

FAQs About DAT Sections

How many questions are on the DAT?

There are 280 multiple-choice questions across the four sections: 100 in Survey of Natural Sciences, 90 in PAT, 50 in Reading Comprehension, and 40 in Quantitative Reasoning.

What is the order of DAT sections?

The sections always appear in the same order: (1) Survey of Natural Sciences, (2) Perceptual Ability Test, (3) Reading Comprehension, (4) Quantitative Reasoning. You cannot change the order or skip ahead to a later section.

How long is the DAT?

The total testing window is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including an optional 15-minute tutorial, three optional 15-minute breaks between sections, and a post-test survey. Active testing time (answering questions) is 4 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the hardest section of the DAT?

This varies by student. The Perceptual Ability Test is most commonly cited as the hardest because it tests spatial reasoning skills that most students have never practiced. Biology is challenging due to the sheer volume of content. Organic Chemistry can be difficult if you have not completed Orgo II. Quantitative Reasoning is generally considered the easiest section for students with a solid math background.

Do you get a calculator on the DAT?

You get a basic on-screen calculator only during Quantitative Reasoning. No calculator is provided for the Survey of Natural Sciences, PAT, or Reading Comprehension. Calculations in General Chemistry are designed to be solvable without a calculator using estimation and mental math.

What is the most important section of the DAT?

All sections contribute equally to the Academic Average (AA), which is the primary score dental schools evaluate. That said, the Total Science score is often given extra attention because it reflects your science knowledge. Balanced performance across all sections is more important than excelling in just one.

Are all DAT questions multiple choice?

Yes. All 280 questions on the DAT are multiple choice. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should answer every question — even if you are unsure.

Can you go back to previous questions within a section?

Yes. Within each section, you can navigate between questions, flag questions for review, and return to them before time expires. However, once a section ends, you cannot go back to it.

How is the DAT scored?

The DAT uses a 200–600 scoring scale (as of March 2025). You receive 8 scores: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Total Science, PAT, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Academic Average. The Academic Average is the score most schools focus on. There is no negative scoring — only correct answers count. For more detail, see our DAT scoring guide.

What is the difference between the American DAT and the Canadian DAT?

The Canadian DAT is a separate exam administered by the Canadian Dental Association. It differs in sections (it includes a Manual Dexterity Test and does not include Quantitative Reasoning), structure, and administration. If you are applying to Canadian dental schools, you need to prepare specifically for the Canadian version.

How should I prepare for each section?

Build a study plan that allocates time based on your strengths and weaknesses. Most students benefit from a structured DAT study schedule of 10–14 weeks. Start with content review, transition to active practice, and finish with full-length timed tests. See our complete guide on how to prepare for the DAT.

Is a 400 a good DAT score?

Under the new 200–600 scale, a 400 represents approximately the 50th percentile — meaning you scored higher than about half of test-takers. This is an average score. Most competitive programs prefer scores above the 50th percentile. A 450+ (roughly 75th percentile) puts you in a strong position at most schools. See our DAT scoring guide for school-specific expectations.

How much does the DAT cost?

The DAT registration fee is approximately $560 (non-refundable). A 50% partial fee waiver is available for eligible first-time examinees. For the exact current fee, check the 2026 DAT Candidate Guide (PDF). For more on timing and registration, see our guide on when to take the DAT.