What DAT Score Do You Need to Get Into Dental School?

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) plays a significant role in dental school admissions. Many students wonder what defines a good DAT score and how it impacts their chances of acceptance. The DAT consists of multiple-choice sections covering a survey of natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Admissions committees use candidate scale scores to measure an applicant’s academic ability, making the score on the DAT a key factor in determining eligibility.

This guide will break down how the DAT is scored, what qualifies as a good score, and how to improve your overall performance to get into dental school.

The DAT Scoring System

How the DAT Is Structured

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) consists of 280 multiple-choice questions that measure a student’s knowledge and skills in key areas needed for dental school admissions. The exam includes sections on biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences: 100 questions covering biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
2. Perceptual Ability: 90 questions measuring spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
3. Reading Comprehension Section: 50 questions testing the ability to analyze and understand scientific texts.
4. Quantitative Reasoning:40 questions focused on basic math and applied problem-solving skills.

Note: Each section contributes to the overall score, which is one of the most critical components of a dental school application.

How the DAT is Scored

When students take the DAT, they do not receive a direct count of correct answers. Instead, raw scores are converted into scale scores, which range from 1 to 30. This conversion process uses sophisticated psychometric procedures to adjust for differences in examination form difficulty, making scores comparable across test dates.

How the Final Score Is Calculated

The highest DAT score possible is 30, but few students achieve a perfect score. The average DAT score across test-takers is about 17. A good DAT score is usually 19-20 or higher, depending on the competitiveness of a student’s target schools.

Raw Score to Scale Score Conversion

What This Means for Your DAT Score

Each test-taker's final score is adjusted so that form difficulty is addressed via sophisticated psychometric procedures. This makes sure that no student is at an advantage or disadvantage based on the specific examination form they receive.

A high score (21 or higher) can help applicants stand out in dental school applications, while a lower score (below 17) can make acceptance more difficult. Students aiming to get into dental school should aim for a composite score that aligns with the average scores of their target programs.

What Is a Good DAT Score?

There is no single number that defines a good DAT score. The score you need depends on the dental schools you are applying to and how competitive their admissions process is. A higher DAT score improves your chances of acceptance, especially at top-tier schools where the average accepted score is higher. The following breakdown and determining candidate scale scores are typically categorized.

Low Scores (Below 16-17)

Scores below 16 are considered low. These are below-average scores, and it is difficult to gain admission to an accredited dental school with scores in this range.

Decent Scores (17-18)

A 17-18 is slightly above the average DAT score but not considered competitive at most dental schools. Some lower-ranked schools may accept scores in this range, depending on other application factors like GPA and experience.

Competitive Scores (19-20)

A 19-20 is considered a competitive score at most U.S. dental schools. Students with scores in this range typically meet the admissions standards of many mid-tier schools.

High Scores (21-25)

A DAT score of 21-25 is considered high and competitive for top-ranked and highly selective dental schools. Schools in this category often admit students with the highest DAT scores in the applicant pool.

Expert Tips: Aiming for a top DAT score requires strong preparation, targeted study strategies, and practice with realistic test simulations. A good score meets or exceeds the average scores of your target schools while balancing other parts of your dental school application.

Average DAT Scores for Dental Schools

Note: The admissions committee considers candidate scale scores alongside GPA and other application components. A high score improves your chances, but it is not the only factor.

DAT Scores and GPA Requirements at the Top 20 Dental Schools in the U.S.

Understanding the average DAT scores and GPA requirements for top dental schools can help applicants gauge their competitiveness. The table below outlines the most recent average scores at leading U.S. dental schools. These numbers represent the profiles of students who were successfully admitted, giving insight into what is typically needed for a strong application.

Factors That Affect Your Target Score

Your Choice of Dental Schools

Different dental schools have different expectations regarding DAT scores. Higher-ranked programs typically expect higher scores, while some lower-ranked schools may admit students with average scores or even lower scores, depending on other parts of their applications.

• Top-tier dental schools often expect a DAT score of 21-23 or higher to be competitive.
• Mid-tier schools typically admit students with scores in the 19-21 range.
• Lower-tier schools may accept students with scores around 17-19, especially if other aspects of the application are strong.

Expert Tip: Before setting a target score, research the average scores of your preferred schools. Looking at the academic average and composite scores of accepted students will help determine where you stand.

Balancing DAT Score with GPA

The admissions process is not just about your DAT score. Schools evaluate applications holistically, meaning that a strong GPA can sometimes balance a lower DAT score.

• If you have a high GPA (3.7+), you may not need the highest DAT score to be competitive. Some schools may accept a 19-20 score if the GPA is well above their average.
• If your GPA is lower (3.3-3.5), a higher DAT score is necessary to prove academic readiness. A 21+ score can help compensate for a weaker GPA.
• Some schools place greater weight on DAT scores than GPA, especially for students from schools with grade inflation or less rigorous coursework.

Expert Tip: Since the academic average on the DAT consists of multiple sections, schools consider how well applicants performed across the survey of natural sciences, reading comprehension section, and quantitative reasoning.

Competition Level of the Application Cycle

The competitiveness of each application cycle varies. Some years have stronger applicant pools, which can raise the average scores needed to be competitive.

• If the number of high-scoring test-takers increases, schools may set higher expectations for admission.
• Examination form difficulty also plays a role. Since different students receive different versions of the exam, scores are adjusted via sophisticated psychometric procedures to account for differences in examination form difficulty.
• Applicant trends can affect admissions chances. If fewer students apply in a given year, lower scores might still be competitive. If application numbers rise, the competition for spots increases.

How to Achieve a High DAT Score

Study Strategies for Each Section

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences: Use structured study materials for biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
2. Perceptual Ability: Practice spatial reasoning problems daily.
3. Reading Comprehension Section: Focus on better understanding complex texts.
4. Quantitative Reasoning: Improve problem-solving speed with math drills.

The Role of Practice Tests

• Practice tests help identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Simulate real testing conditions at a testing center.
• Analyze question difficulty of adjusting your study plan.

Should You Retake the DAT?

Deciding whether to retake the DAT depends on how your final score compares to the average scores of the schools you are applying to. While a higher score can improve your chances of admission, retaking the exam requires time, effort, and a clear strategy for improvement.

When Retaking the DAT Makes Sense

• Your score is below your target school’s average score. If your overall score or academic average is lower than the typical admitted applicant’s score, a retake could improve your competitiveness.
• You have time to improve before submitting your dental school applications. Since you must wait 60 days between attempts, retaking the test should fit into your timeline without delaying your application.
• Your section scores are unbalanced. If one section, such as quantitative reasoning or reading comprehension, is much lower than your other scores, a retake can help strengthen your application.
• Your GPA is low. If your GPA is below the average of your target schools, improving your DAT score can help compensate for it in the admissions process.
• You did not prepare effectively the first time. If you didn’t complete enough practice tests or struggled with time management, better preparation could lead to a higher score.

When Retaking the DAT May Not Be Necessary

• Your overall performance is already competitive. If your score meets or exceeds the average DAT score for your target schools, retaking the test may not make a significant difference.
• You don’t believe you can improve your final score significantly. If you have already achieved a high score and feel that additional preparation won’t lead to meaningful improvement, it may be better to focus on strengthening other areas of your dental school applications.
• Your application is strong in other areas. If your GPA, personal statement, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation are strong, a minor improvement in your DAT score may not be necessary.
• You are limited on time. If a retake would interfere with application deadlines, coursework, or other commitments, focusing on submitting a well-rounded application may be a better strategy.

Final Thoughts

A strong DAT score plays a major role in dental school admissions, but it’s only one part of a competitive application. While a high score can improve your chances, schools also consider GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and clinical experience when making decisions. Setting a realistic target score depends on the schools you are applying to. A DAT score of 19-20 is competitive for many programs, while 21+ is needed for top-tier schools. If your score on the DAT is lower than expected, a retake may be an option, but only if you have the time and ability to improve. The best way to prepare is through practice tests, structured study plans, and understanding the scoring process. With the right preparation, students can achieve their best possible DAT score and improve their chances of getting into their dream school.

Work With a Dental School Admissions Coach

Getting into dental school is competitive, and a strong DAT score is just one part of the application process. A dental school admissions coach can help you strengthen every aspect of your application, from improving your DAT performance to crafting a compelling personal statement and preparing for interviews.

Related Articles

Looking for more information on dental school admissions and DAT preparation? Explore these guides to help strengthen your application and improve your DAT score:

• How to Ace the Dental Admission Test (DAT): 5 Tips for Success
• How to Build a Strategic DAT Study Schedule
• How to Get Into Law School as an Overly-Represented Candidate

FAQs

What Is the Highest DAT Score?

• The highest possible DAT score is 30, but achieving this is extremely rare. The exam is designed using sophisticated psychometric procedures to make scoring a 30 exceptionally difficult. Most top-scoring students fall in the 24-27 range, with scores above 21 considered highly competitive for dental school admissions. A high score improves an applicant’s chances but is only one part of a strong dental school application alongside GPA, personal statements, and clinical experience.

Has anyone got a 30 on the DAT?

• Yes, but it is extremely rare. A 30 is the highest DAT score possible and requires near-perfect performance across all sections. The exam is designed so that only a very small percentage of test-takers achieve a perfect score.

Is 24 a good DAT score?

• Yes, a 24 is considered an excellent score and places a student in the 98th-99th percentile of test-takers. This score is highly competitive for top dental schools and significantly increases an applicant’s chances of acceptance.

What is the highest DAT score ever recorded?

• The highest possible DAT score is 30, and while very few students achieve this, some have. Most top DAT scores fall in the 25-27 range, which is still well above the average scores of most accepted applicants.

How rare is a 24 on the DAT?

• A 24 is very rare and ranks in the top 2% of all test-takers. Most students score between 17 and 20, with only a small percentage exceeding 22 or higher. Achieving a 24 requires strong preparation, extensive practice tests, and mastery of all sections of the exam.