DAT and OAT-- Dental Admission Test & Optometry Admission Test

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) and Optometry Admission Test (OAT) are created by the same test maker and share many common features--both in structure and content. In order to get accepted to a top dental school or optometry program, applicants need high test scores. Dentistry schools look carefully at candidates' grades in science and math course, their letters of recommendations, and their DAT scores. Optometry programs also consider OAT test scores in conjunction with academic accomplishments and recommendations.

DAT Structure and Content

Science: 100 questions, 90 minutes
Biology: 40 questions
General Chemistry: 30 questions
Organic Chemistry: 30 questions
Perceptual Ability: 90 questions, 60 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: 40 questions, 45 minutes
Reading Comprehension: 3 passages, 60 minutes

DAT math questions are similar to SAT math questions, however, no calculators are allowed. The perceptual ability test is one of the most important sections to dental schools. The questions require that you make judgments about the size of angles, interpret 2-D representations of 3-D objects, and mentally rotate and unfold objects to understand their structure. No rulers, compasses, or other objects are allowed.

DAT Scoring

Each section of the DAT is scored on a scale of 1 to 30. The science section is broken up into 3 separate scores. In addition to seeing your individual section scores, your DAT score report will include two composite scores: the Academic Average and the Science Average. The Academic Average is the average score across the biology, gen chem, organic chem, math, and reading sections. The Science Average is the average across the three science sections.

Dental schools typically look at the Science Average and perceptual ability score with more interest. The average scaled score on each section is 17.

DAT Format

The DAT is administered in computer format and offered at Prometric Testing Centers. The fee for the exam is $225. Before you can take the exam, you must apply for permission. This entails submitting an electronic application with the ADA. You will need to obtain a "DENTPIN" as well, which is an identification number that streamlines the process of applying to ADA accredited dental schools.

If you need to retake the DAT to get a higher score, you must wait at least 90 days after your prior attempt, and you will have to pay the full testing fee.

OAT Structure and Content

The OAT has four sections:

Natural Sciences: 100 questions, 90 minutes
Biology: 40 questions
General Chemistry: 30 questions
Organic Chemistry: 30 questions
Reading Comprehension: 3 passages, 50 minutes
Physics: 40 questions, 50 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: 40 questions, 45 minutes

OAT Scoring

Each section of the OAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 400. The composite score of the exam is based on the average of the individual scores in Biology, Gen Chem, Organic Chem, Reading, Physics, and Math.

For example, if your scores were 270, 350, 300, 360, 380, and 370, respectively, then your average would be 338.33. This would be rounded to the nearest multiple of 10, so your composite score would be 340. The average composite and individual score is around 300.

OAT Format

The OAT is computer based like the DAT. The exam fee is $213, and like the DAT, you must apply to take the exam. You can apply by contacting the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).

More Resources

Visit the website of the ADA and ASCO for more exam information and application materials