A detailed breakdown of DAT score requirements for dental schools, including competitive scores by school tier, section breakdowns, and strategies to improve your score.
One of the most common questions I hear from pre-dental students is "What DAT score do I need?" The answer depends on where you want to go to dental school, but I'll break down everything you need to know about DAT scoring and dental school admissions.
DAT Scoring Basics
The DAT is scored on a scale of 1-30 for each section, with the national average typically falling around 19-20. Your scores are reported as:
- Academic Average (AA) — Average of Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning
- Total Science (TS) — Average of Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
- Perceptual Ability (PAT) — Standalone score
- Individual Section Scores — Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning
Score Requirements by School Tier
Top 10 Dental Schools (Harvard, Penn, Michigan, UCSF, etc.)
- Target AA: 23+
- Target PAT: 22+
- Target TS: 23+
- These schools receive thousands of applications and use DAT scores as an initial screening tool. A score below 22 AA makes admission very difficult.
Top 25 Dental Schools
- Target AA: 21-23
- Target PAT: 20-22
- Target TS: 21-23
- Strong scores combined with good GPA, research, and clinical experience make you competitive.
Mid-Tier Dental Schools
- Target AA: 19-21
- Target PAT: 19-21
- Target TS: 19-21
- Scores in this range, combined with a strong overall application, give you a good chance of admission.
Minimum for Any Dental School
- Minimum AA: 17-18
- Below 17 AA, most dental schools will not consider your application regardless of other factors.
How to Improve Your DAT Score
Use Adaptive Technology
The most effective way to improve your DAT score is to study smarter, not just harder. Wizeprep DAT's adaptive study scheduler identifies your weakest areas and automatically adjusts your study plan to focus where you need the most improvement. This targeted approach is far more efficient than generic study plans.
Take Full-Length Practice Tests
Regular practice testing under real conditions is essential. Aim for at least 10-15 full-length practice tests during your preparation. Analyze every wrong answer to identify patterns and knowledge gaps.
Focus on Your Weakest Sections
Many students make the mistake of spending too much time on sections they're already good at. Instead, invest your study time where it will have the greatest impact on your overall score.
Don't Neglect the PAT
The Perceptual Ability Test is unique to the DAT and requires specific practice. Many students underestimate this section, but dental schools pay close attention to PAT scores as an indicator of manual dexterity aptitude.
When to Retake the DAT
You can retake the DAT after 90 days, with a maximum of three attempts. Consider retaking if:
- Your scores are significantly below your practice test averages
- You had test-day issues (illness, anxiety, technical problems)
- Your scores are below the minimum for your target schools
Before retaking, invest in a structured prep course like Wizeprep DAT to ensure meaningful score improvement. Simply retaking without changing your preparation approach is unlikely to produce different results.
The Bigger Picture
Remember that the DAT is just one component of your dental school application. Admissions committees also evaluate:
- GPA (especially science GPA)
- Clinical experience and shadowing hours
- Research experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Community service and leadership
A strong DAT score opens doors, but it's your complete application that gets you admitted. Focus on building a well-rounded profile while pursuing your target DAT score.