Dental Admission

Test (DAT)
2025 Candidate Guide

©2024 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. | 800.232.1694 | ADA.org/DAT

 The Department of Testing Services (DTS) is a shared service of the American Dental Association (ADA) that
employs testing professionals and provides professional examination services in all relevant areas (e.g., test
design, content development, administration, analysis, and reporting). At the direction of the governing bodies
it supports, DTS advises on policy based on testing industry best practices and professional experience, and
implements policy for the orderly, secure, and fair administration of examination programs within its charge.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are required to read this Guide before you apply to take the examination.

At the time of application, you will be required to confirm that you have read this Guide, understood its contents, and agree to
the policies and procedures contained herein.

Changes to the Dental Admission Test (DAT®) Program may occur after publication of this Guide. Updated PDFs will be posted to
ADA.org/DAT. You will be subject to the policies and procedures currently in effect at the time of your test administration.
 Dental Admission Test (DAT)
2025 Candidate Guide

Table of Contents
OVERVIEW .............................................................2 Test Center Procedures .................................. 18

About this Guide and Examination Program ......2 Identification Policy .......................................... 18

Purpose of the Examination ...............................2 Reschedule or Cancel a Testing

Appointment..................................................... 19
Examination Fairness .........................................2
No-Show Policy ............................................... 19
Ethical Conduct ..................................................3
Emergencies on the Day of the
EXAMINATION CONTENT AND Testing Appointment ........................................ 20
PREPARATION MATERIALS ................................4
Testing Problems on the Day of the
Examination Specifications ................................4 Testing Appointment ........................................ 20

Scope of the Examination ..................................4 Testing Accommodations ................................ 21

Confidentiality of Examination Materials ............8 Acceptable Forms of Documentation .............. 22

Examination Preparation ....................................9 Unacceptable Forms of Documentation .......... 22

Practice Test Questions .....................................9 EXAMINATION REGULATIONS

AND RULES OF CONDUCT ................................ 23
Test Drive ...........................................................9
Rules of Conduct ............................................. 23
RESULTS INFORMATION ...................................10
Privacy and Security ........................................ 25
Scoring of Examination ....................................10
Examination Misconduct .................................. 26
Results Audits ...................................................10
Irregularities and Appeals ................................ 29
Results Reporting Changes in 2025.................10
Arbitration Requirement and
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ............................12 Agreement to Arbitrate .................................... 31

FEES, APPLICATION AND TEST

ADMINISTRATION................................................13

Examination Fees .............................................13

Eligibility Extension Requests ..........................13

Rescheduling Fees ...........................................14

Partial Fee Waiver ............................................14

Retesting Policy ................................................15

Partial Testing...................................................15

Administration Schedule ...................................16

Application Procedures ....................................17

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 1
 OVERVIEW
ABOUT THIS GUIDE AND EXAMINATION PROGRAM

This document is the official candidate guide (“Guide”) to policies and procedures for the Dental Admission Test
(“DAT®”). It provides information such as application and testing procedures, examination content, the
consequences of rules violations, and scoring. The governing body of the DAT is the American Dental
Association’s (ADA) Council on Dental Education and Licensure (“CDEL” or “Governing Body”). The DAT is
implemented by the Department of Testing Services (“DTS”), which is a shared service of the American Dental
Association. Examinations are administered by Prometric (“Prometric” or “Administration Vendor”). Collectively,
the Governing Body, DTS, and the set of activities, policies, and procedures occurring in support of this
examination are referred to as the “DAT Program” or simply the “Examination Program.”

The DAT Program uses arbitration to resolve legal differences relating to the DAT. Arbitration is described more
fully in the section on Arbitration Requirement and Agreement to Arbitrate in this Guide. Agreement to arbitrate is
a prerequisite to taking the DAT.

The Council on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL) would like to thank you for considering this examination.
CDEL appreciates the time and energy you are devoting to preparation. The agency takes its responsibilities
seriously, and works diligently to help ensure examinations provide valid, reliable and fair evaluations
of candidate knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PURPOSE OF THE EXAMINATION

The DAT is an admission test designed to provide dental education programs with a means to assess a
candidate’s potential for success in these programs. Programs use the DAT in conjunction with other admission
tools that provide insight into candidate qualifications as they relate to core program requirements.

Test results are just one factor considered in evaluating candidate’s potential. Validity studies show that test
scores in conjunction with academic performance are useful and effective in predicting success in dental
education programs. The relative importance of each factor in the admission process is determined by each
educational program.

EXAMINATION FAIRNESS

Fairness, diversity, and inclusion are values that are of critical importance to society and to health professions.
The Governing Body and DTS have devoted and continue to devote substantial time and energy to these
considerations, to comprehensively consider the relevant issues and implement examination programs that are
fair, valid, and reliable, providing candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and
abilities in support of accurate and valid skill measurement. Fairness efforts are rooted in professional standards
as promulgated in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing 1. This document — published by the
American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, and National Council on

1American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, National Council on Measurement in Education. (2014).
Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Washington, DC: Author.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 2
 Measurement in Education — provides professional guidance on all aspects of testing, and specifically notes that
fairness is fundamental to validity.

Fairness considerations are embedded throughout this Examination Program, affecting every aspect of how this
examination is constructed, administered, scored, and reported, appropriately recognizing the critical importance
of fairness to society and reflecting the core values of those who work closely and care deeply about this
program.

For additional information concerning how fairness considerations have been incorporated into this Examination
Program, please see the document entitled “The DAT and ADAT Programs: Overview of Policies and Procedures
Supporting and Promoting Fairness” on the Examination Program website.

ETHICAL CONDUCT

Healthcare professionals play an important role in society by providing services that contribute to the overall
health and well-being of individuals and their communities. In light of this responsibility, such professionals must
behave ethically at all times. This obligation begins at the time of application to school and continues through the
educational process, the licensure process, and the entirety of professional practice. Members of the dental
profession voluntarily abide by the ADA Principles of Ethics & Code of Professional Conduct in the interest of
protecting patients and maintaining the trust of society. The ADA Principles of Ethics & Code of Professional
Conduct is found at this link: ADA.org/Ethics.

Candidates are required to abide by these ethical standards and to read, understand, and comply with the
examination regulations and rules of conduct for this examination. The obligation to abide by these ethical
standards includes a commitment to honesty, truthfulness, full disclosure, accuracy, fairness, and integrity in all
matters pertaining to examinations completed now and, in the future, (examination applications, examination
procedures, applications for licensure, etc.).

Misconduct in the examination process is a very serious matter. Violation of the rules of conduct or examination
regulations may result in civil liability, voiding of examination results, retest penalties, or other appropriate
penalties.

The Examination Program Governing Body, licensure boards, and the profession expect strong ethical behavior
from all candidates. The Governing Body annually publishes policies and procedures applicable to misconduct
and irregularities in the application and examination process. This information is available in later sections of this
document. The Governing Body expects all candidates to carefully read and understand this information and their
obligations as candidates for this examination.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 3
 EXAMINATION CONTENT AND PREPARATION MATERIALS
EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS

The DAT is composed of multiple-choice test questions (items) presented in the English language. It consists of
four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative
Reasoning. Both the U.S. customary system (Imperial System) and the metric system (International System) of
measurement are used. Additional information on test content is provided below.

SCOPE OF THE EXAMINATION

Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 Items)

The Survey of Natural Sciences test section consists of 100 items from Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic
Chemistry.

Biology (40 items)

• Cell and Molecular Biology: cell metabolism (including photosynthesis, enzymology), cellular
processes (including membrane transport, signal transduction), thermodynamics, mitosis/meiosis, cell
structure and function, experimental cell biology, biomolecules, and integrated relationships.
• Diversity of Life: viruses, Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Fungi, Protista, Plantae, Animalia, and
integrated relationships.
• Structure and Function of Systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic/immune,
digestive, respiratory, urinary, nervous/sensory, endocrine, reproductive, and integrated relationships.
• Genetics: molecular genetics, human genetics, classical genetics, chromosomal genetics, genetic
technology, developmental mechanisms, genomics, gene expression, epigenetics, and integrated
relationships.
• Evolution and Ecology: natural selection, population genetics/speciation, animal behavior, ecology
(population, community, and ecosystem ecology), and integrated relationships.

General Chemistry (30 items)

• Stoichiometry and General Concepts: percent composition, empirical formulae, balancing equations,
moles and molecular formulas, molar mass, density, and calculations from balanced equations.
• Gases: kinetic molecular theory of gases, Dalton’s, Boyle’s, Charles’s, and ideal gas law.
• Liquids and Solids: intermolecular forces, phase changes, vapor pressure, structures, polarity, and
properties.
• Solutions: polarity, properties (colligative, noncolligative), forces, and concentration calculations.
• Acids and Bases: pH, strength, Brønsted-Lowry reactions, and calculations.
• Chemical Equilibria: molecular, acid/base, precipitation, calculations, and Le Chatelier’s principle.
• Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry: laws of thermodynamics, Hess’s law, spontaneity,
enthalpies and entropies, and heat transfer.
• Chemical Kinetics: rate laws, activation energy, and half-life.
• Oxidation-Reduction Reactions: balancing equations, determination of oxidation numbers,
electrochemical calculations, and electrochemical concepts and terminology.
• Atomic and Molecular Structure: electron configuration, orbital types, Lewis-Dot diagrams, atomic
theory, quantum theory, molecular geometry, bond types, and sub-atomic particles.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 4
 • Periodic Properties: representative elements, transition elements, periodic trends, and descriptive
chemistry.
• Nuclear Reactions: balancing equations, binding energy, decay processes, particles, and terminology
• Laboratory: basic techniques, equipment, error analysis, safety, and data analysis.

Note: The following image of the periodic table of the elements is available to candidates as they complete the
General Chemistry section of the DAT.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 5
 Organic Chemistry (30 items)
• Mechanisms: Energetics and Structure: elimination, addition, free radical, substitution mechanisms,
and other mechanisms and reactions.
• Chemical and Physical Properties of Molecules: Spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR, infrared, and
multi-spectra), structure (polarity, intermolecular forces (solubility, melting/ boiling point, etc.), and
laboratory theory and techniques (TLC, separations, etc.).
• Stereochemistry (structure evaluation): Chirality, isomer relationships, and conformations.
• Nomenclature: IUPAC rules and functional groups in molecules.
• Individual Reactions of the Major Functional Groups and Combinations of Reactions to Synthesize
Compounds: Alkene/alkyne, aromatic, substitution/elimination, aldehyde/ketone, carboxylic acids and
derivatives, and other. For each area listed above, the following sub-areas apply: general, one-step,
and multi-step.
• Acid Base Chemistry: Ranking acidity/basicity (structure analysis and pH/pKa data analysis), and
prediction of products and equilibria.
• Aromatics and Bonding: Concept of aromaticity, resonance, atomic/molecular orbitals, hybridization,
and bond angles/lengths.

Note on Organic Chemistry Mechanisms: The following examples show how curved arrows are used to
represent organic chemistry mechanisms on the DAT.

Double/full-headed curved arrows (Figure A) represent the movement of electron pairs. Single/half-headed
(fishhook) curved arrows (Figure B) represent the movement of a single electron. Candidates are asked to predict
products based on starting materials and curved arrows. Additionally, candidates are asked to predict curved
arrow(s) based on starting materials and products.

Updates to the DAT Organic Chemistry Test Specifications are anticipated in 2026. These changes will be
described on the DAT webpage (ADA.org/DAT) and listed in the document entitled Recent and Forthcoming
Updates to Examinations. This document is also available at ADA.org/education/testing.

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 Perceptual Ability (90 Items)
The Perceptual Ability Test is comprised of six subtests that assess the candidate’s ability to accurately perceive
object dimensions and mentally manipulate objects in space. This includes, for example, the ability to differentiate
among angles, or imagine how three-dimensional objects appear when viewed from different angles.

TOPIC DESCRIPTION

Apertures Evaluate a three-dimensional object and determine if it can pass through an opening.

View Recognition Visualize how an object would appear if viewed from different angles.

Angle Discrimination Rank a series of angles from smallest to largest.

Paper Folding Mentally unfold a piece of paper that has been folded one or more times and then hole-
punched.

Cube Counting Evaluate a stack of cubes and determine how much of each cube is exposed.

Spatial Relations / 3D Identify the three-dimensional shape that a flat pattern produces when folded
Form Development in a specific way.

Prior to DAT administrations, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the instructions associated
with Perceptual Ability Test questions. This information can be found on the DAT Program website
(ADA.org/DAT).

Reading Comprehension (50 items)

The Reading Comprehension Test contains three reading passages on various scientific topics. Prior
understanding of the science topics is not a prerequisite to answering the test items. The reading passages
require the ability to read, comprehend, and thoroughly analyze basic scientific information.

Quantitative Reasoning (40 items)

• Mathematical Problems: algebra (equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation,
absolute value, ratios and proportions, and graphical analysis); Data Analysis, Interpretation, and
Sufficiency; Quantitative Comparison; and Probability and Statistics.
• Applied Mathematics (Word) Problem.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 7
 Below is an image of the digital calculator available to candidates for the Quantitative Reasoning section of this
examination:

All examination questions are reviewed annually by a team of subject matter experts before they are used for
examination purposes. This process helps to ensure that the questions reflect the most recent research and
guidelines. Changes to the test specifications for the DAT may occur after the publication of this Guide. If changes
occur, they will be posted to ADA.org/DAT and listed in the document entitled Recent and Forthcoming Updates
to Examinations. This document is also available at ADA.org/education/testing.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF EXAMINATION MATERIALS

Examination questions represent confidential, copyrighted intellectual property. Obtaining, using, or distributing
examination questions, also referred to as examination items, is strictly prohibited, regardless of the method
employed (memorization, recording, copying, or other means). This prohibition includes the discussion,
distribution, or online posting of memorized examination questions or answers, in whole or in part.

The use or sharing of examination items violates the examination regulations and rules of conduct of this testing
program. Such activities could provide an unfair advantage and threaten the validity and credibility of the
examination. Since all examinations are copyrighted property, these prohibited activities also violate federal
copyright laws.

The Department of Testing Services investigates all reports of candidates’ alleged production, misuse, or
sharing of current examination materials, and will pursue formal action against anyone who violates the
Examination Regulations or federal copyright law. Violations could result in the voiding of examination
results, legal action, or other appropriate penalties.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 8
 EXAMINATION PREPARATION

A number of resources are used by subject matter experts to create questions for the DAT. These resources
include the following reference texts:

• Practice Test
• Reference Texts
• Prometric Online Tutorial

The DAT Program does not endorse any specific test preparation courses and has no data on the content or
efficacy of test preparation courses designed to prepare candidates for the DAT.

PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS

Candidates interested in preparing for the DAT may utilize practice questions available at ADA.org/DAT. All
practice questions are copyrighted.

The intent of practice test questions is to help candidates understand the types of questions that will be asked on
the examination. The practice questions are not intended to provide an indication of how candidates will perform
on the DAT. Candidates are cautioned not to limit their preparation for the examination to the review of practice
questions.

TEST DRIVE

Candidates can additionally become familiar with the test administration experience through Prometric’s Test
Drive on Prometric.com. This 30-minute overview includes the following experiences candidates will encounter at
the test center on their official day of testing:

• The scheduling and registration process.

• The complete check-in process.
• Introduction to test center staff and surroundings.
• A 15-minute sample test (a generic test, not examination-specific) demonstrating the testing process.

Visit Prometric’s Test Drive at prometric.com for further details and pricing.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 9
 RESULTS INFORMATION
SCORING OF EXAMINATION

DAT results are reported as scale scores. These scale scores are neither raw scores (i.e., the number of
questions answered correctly) nor percentiles. The calculation of scale scores is accomplished using
sophisticated psychometric equating procedures to accurately and fairly evaluate candidate skills. Through scale
scores, it is possible to meaningfully compare the performance of candidates who have completed this
examination, even if candidates have completed examination forms containing different examination questions.
Candidates are not penalized for guessing.

Some questions on the test are experimental and are not scored. Data collected on unscored questions is used to
determine whether those questions pass psychometric standards and would be appropriate for use in future test
administrations. Unscored questions look the same to candidates as scored questions.

DAT® scores range from 1 to 30, in one-point increments. For DAT administrations from March 1, 2025, and
beyond, reported DAT scores will range from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments. Each educational program
makes its own determination as to what constitutes an acceptable score. As such, there is not an official passing
score for this examination.

Candidates often ask whether they have achieved a good score. To interpret the results of your examination, the
Examination Program recommends consulting the most recent examination norms, which provide information on
candidate’s percentile standing on the examination. This information is available in the following report, which is
publicly available on the Examination Program website:

DAT User’s Manual

The above report is also available to educational programs as they interpret and use candidate test results for
admission purposes.

Effective March 1, 2025, the Examination Program will implement a new scoring system for the DAT. At that time,
the current 2-digit score reporting scale (1 to 30) will be replaced by a 3-digit reporting scale (200 to 600). Details
about the changes to the scoring system are provided in the following document: ADA.org/DATScoringUpdate.

RESULTS AUDITS

As a routine part of quality assurance procedures, results are audited for accuracy before they are distributed.
Candidates can also request to have their examination results audited or checked for accuracy an additional time,
beyond that indicated above. To request this second audit, login to your account and follow the audit request
instructions. Additional fees will apply (see the Examination Fees section of this Guide). Results audits require
approximately four to six weeks to complete and must be requested within 30 days of the reporting date indicated
on the official report of results.

RESULTS REPORTING CHANGES IN 2025

Results reporting for the DAT is changing as of March 1, 2025. At this time, the DAT will transition to a more
sophisticated scoring approach that will further increase the DAT’s precision in measuring candidates’ skills. The
following describes the corresponding changes to reporting.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 10
 Administrations Before March 1, 2025: After the testing session has ended, an unofficial score report will be
provided at the test center, unless the test was taken over multiple days. Scale scores ranging between 1 and 30
are reported on this unofficial score report. This report is a personal copy; if an unofficial score report is not
provided after completing the examination, candidates may contact the testing program within five days via an
email sent to DATexam@ADA.org. The unofficial score report provided by the Administration Vendor is subject to
audit as part of the Governing Body’s quality review process. Falsification and/or misrepresentation of score
reports is viewed as an egregious violation of Examination Program policies, and could result in cancellation of
scores, imposition of a mandatory two-year wait period to retest, or the possibility of a lifetime ban from taking the
examination. Such misconduct may also have implications for the candidate’s ability to test on other examinations
implemented by the ADA’s Department of Testing Services.

Administrations On or After March 1, 2025: Effective March 1, 2025, unofficial score reports will no longer be
provided. The Administration Vendor does not have the capability to display test results under the more
sophisticated scoring approach. Candidates will receive their official DAT results three to four weeks after the
administration of their test. DAT scale scores will range between 200 and 600 under the new scoring approach.
Please see the DAT Program website for additional details (ADA.org/DAT).

DAT Scores cannot be voided at the request of a candidate after completing any part of the examination.

At the time of application, candidates are asked to select schools and/or programs to receive official results. In so
doing, candidates grant the Examination Program permission to release official results to these schools. Results
will be released only upon authorization, or by decision of the Examination Program in accordance with
Examination Program policies (e.g., in cases involving irregularities or falsification of information). Official results
are reported electronically within three to four weeks of the testing date to the selected schools and will be posted
to the candidate’s DENTPIN account. If a candidate has tested more than once, a history of all testing attempts is
reported.

Candidates should discuss their test results with their advisors. At the time of application, candidates can request
that scores be made available to advisors at no additional charge.

If a candidate requests on their application that results be sent to any dental school, then the candidate’s results
will also be sent to ADEA AADSAS. If a candidate requests to have their results sent to any dental schools in
Texas, then their results will also be sent to the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
The testing program will report official results to schools and the aforementioned application services within three
to four weeks of the test date.

The examination application includes a list of potential results recipients. Schools selected at the time of
application are included in the examination fee, regardless of the number of schools selected.

The candidate’s list of designated results recipients cannot be edited or cancelled after the candidate’s
application has been submitted. If no schools are selected on the examination application, then
permission has NOT been granted to release official results. Candidates must then submit score report
requests separately.

Requests for additional score reports must be submitted using the score report request form available by signing
in (ADA.org/DENTPIN) and going to the ‘Requests’ tab. Additional fees apply when sending results reports to
schools or other recipients not selected at the time of application.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 11
 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The DAT Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, disability,
sexual orientation, or marital status.

Successful participants in the DAT Program typically complete at least one year of college education, including
courses in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Advanced level biology and physics are not
required.

Most candidates complete two or more years of college before taking the DAT.

Dental school candidates are encouraged to take the examination well in advance of the dental school admission
cycle. Candidates seeking admission to Canadian dental schools should confirm the acceptability of the DAT by
Canadian schools, prior to submitting an application to take the DAT.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 12
 FEES, APPLICATION AND TEST ADMINISTRATION
EXAMINATION FEES

Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. All fees are in US dollars. The following indicates 2025 testing
fees:

FEE TYPE DESCRIPTION FEE AMOUNT

Examination Fee This fee includes administration and official score reporting to schools $560
and programs selected at the time of application.

Score Report Fee This fee covers score report requests made after the time of $50 per report
(optional) application. There is no additional charge for score report requests
received at the time of application.

Score Audit Fee For a period of 30 days after a testing appointment, as an optional $65
(optional) service, the program is willing to audit a candidate’s results.

Eligibility Extension Candidates can extend their eligibility period for a fee. The extension is $145
Fee for 45 days and available once per submitted application.

Please note:

Candidates are encouraged to consider their test administration date carefully, as any last-minute requested
changes (e.g., for medical reasons, personal reasons, or due to a missed testing appointment) may not be
approved.

ELIGIBILITY EXTENSION REQUESTS

Candidates may request a 45-day extension (weekends and holidays included) to their eligibility window by logging
into their account. The Eligibility Extension Request is an option under ‘Submit Request.’

Candidates may request only one extension per application and cannot have an examination appointment
currently scheduled. Candidates with a scheduled appointment must cancel that appointment before proceeding
with an extension request. Failure to do so will result in the extension request being denied. The eligibility
extension request does not supersede any other rules regarding a candidate’s eligibility.

There is an additional fee to obtain a 45-day eligibility extension. This fee must be paid at the time the extension
request is submitted, and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 13
 RESCHEDULING FEES

The fee to reschedule a testing appointment is determined by the amount of notice provided before the originally
scheduled administration date. Rescheduling fees are subject to change. Sales tax may apply to cancellation and
rescheduling fees. Base fees are as follows:

NUMBER OF DAYS PRIOR TO TESTING APPOINTMENT RESCHEDULING FEE

30 or more business days* $40

5-29 business days* $70

1-4 business days* $150

*Saturday and Sunday are NOT business days.

Late Arrival or No-Show Fees

If a candidate fails to appear for a scheduled testing appointment, OR if a candidate presents more than 30
minutes after the scheduled start time and is refused admission, then their full testing fee will be forfeited.

PARTIAL FEE WAIVER

In cases of severe financial hardship, a limited number of partial fee waivers are available per calendar year
(January-December) to candidates. The waiver covers 50% of the exam fee, 50% of the exam fee for a
subsequent administration, and 100% of the cost of a full practice test. The waiver does not apply to any charges
associated with rescheduling or score reporting after the time of initial application.

Fee waivers are granted on a first-come, first-served basis at intervals throughout the year to eligible
candidates who have submitted the required documents. Fee waivers will be granted in batches on
January 1, April 1, and July 1. Candidates who have previously received a fee waiver or who have already
taken the examination are not eligible.

The Examination Program will review all partial fee waiver requests and make final decisions regarding these
waivers. Candidates must register for a DENTPIN prior to submitting a fee waiver request.

Candidates may qualify for a partial fee waiver if each of the following requirements are met:

• Demonstrated financial hardship.

• First time taking the examination.
• Has not previously received a partial fee waiver.
• U.S. citizen or foreign national who meets either the “green card” or “substantial presence” test as
described in IRS Publication 519.
• Received financial aid at their educational institution.

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 Instructions for Requesting a Partial Fee Waiver

Candidates can request a partial fee waiver by signing into their DENTPIN account, selecting ‘Submit Request,’
and then choosing ‘Waiver Request.’ Candidates will then be prompted to select the examination and program for
which a partial fee waiver is being requested.

The DAT program will review all partial fee waiver requests and make the final approval or denial decision. After
the partial fee waiver request is reviewed, candidates will receive an email notification of the decision and
instructions for submitting a DAT application online. Please allow up to 10 business days for review of all partial
fee waiver requests.

RETESTING POLICY

Candidates are required to submit a new application and fee for each testing attempt. A testing attempt is defined
as any test administration where the candidate has been seated at a computer at a test center and electronically
agreed to the confidentiality statement to start the test.

• Candidates must wait 60 days between testing attempts on the DAT, with a maximum of four (4) such
administrations permitted during any 12-month period of time.

• Candidates with three (3) or more attempts on the DAT must apply for permission to test again, providing
proof of recent application to dental school with each subsequent application to test.

• Subsequent to the candidate’s fifth DAT attempt, the candidate may retest only once per 12-month
period.

• The preceding retest policies are not subject to appeal.

Candidates who are requesting additional testing beyond three attempts must submit their request in writing to
DATexam@ADA.org, and must include one of the following acceptable forms of evidence of their demonstrated
attempt to apply to dental school within the previous 18 months:

• Copy of a completed and submitted ADEA AADSAS application.

• Letter of rejection from a dental school.
• Letter on school letterhead from a dental school admissions officer encouraging the candidate to retest.
• Letter on school letterhead from a college or university health profession advisor or instructor indicating
the candidate is applying to dental school.

PARTIAL TESTING

Partial testing is not permitted. Candidates are required to take all test sections of the DAT. The lowest possible
scale score is reported for any assigned test not taken. Individuals unable to complete the DAT must submit a
new application and fee to retest.

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 ADMINISTRATION SCHEDULE

The table below presents the DAT administration schedule. Candidates must report to the testing center at least
30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. The total administration time is five hours and 15 minutes,
including the optional tutorial, scheduled break, and survey.

DAT ADMINISTRATION SCHEDULE

Tutorial (optional) 15 minutes

Survey of Natural Sciences 90 minutes

Perceptual Ability Test 60 minutes

Scheduled Break (optional) 30 minutes

Reading Comprehension Test 60 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning Test 45 minutes

Post Test Survey (optional) 15 minutes

Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes

Once a candidate begins their testing session, test items will be presented one at a time on their computer
screens. In some cases candidates may experience a lag between items during testing, while a given item is
loaded onto the computer screen. It is important to note that the test timer is designed to pause while items are
loading on the screen. Any time that passes while items load will NOT count against the total test time.

The optional break after the first two test sections is the only scheduled break. If a candidate chooses to take this
scheduled break, the testing session will resume automatically after 30 minutes have elapsed.

Taking a break at any other time is considered an unscheduled break. During an unscheduled break,
candidates may NOT access personal belongings or prohibited items, study or refer to notes or texts, use
a phone, eat food or drink a beverage from the candidate’s locker, or leave the test center. Locker access
during unscheduled breaks is strictly prohibited.

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 APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Before applying to take this examination, candidates must first obtain a Dental Personal Identification Number
(DENTPIN). Candidates can register for a new DENTPIN or retrieve an existing DENTPIN at ADA.org/DENTPIN.

DENTPIN is a unique personal identifier used by U.S. dental and dental hygiene education systems and
standardized testing programs, such as the Dental Admission Test (DAT), Advanced Dental Admission Test
(ADAT), and the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH)— as well as application services such as the
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS), the
ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS), the Texas Medical & Dental
Schools Application Service (TMDSAS), the ADEA Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for
International Dentists (ADEA CAAPID), and the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (ADEA
DHCAS). In each case, DENTPIN is used to uniquely identify individuals, and for the confidential and secure
reporting, transmission, and tracking of test scores and academic data.

Once a DENTPIN is obtained, candidates can submit an application through the DAT Program website. A new
application must be submitted before each testing attempt. Application processing takes place Monday through
Friday during standard US business hours.

After the Examination Program processes a candidate’s application, that candidate is eligible to test for a six-
month period, unless other considerations — including retest rules and requirements — limit the eligibility period
to a shorter timeframe. Candidates are encouraged to choose their test administration date carefully, as any last-
minute requested changes (e.g., for medical or personal reasons) may not be approved.

When registering for a DENTPIN and submitting an application, all provided information must be accurate.
Candidates must use their legal name. When including a middle name, candidates must use either their full
middle name or a middle initial.

If the name on a candidate’s application fails to EXACTLY match the name appearing on IDs brought to the
Administration Vendor test center, the candidate will NOT be permitted to test. As a result, the testing
appointment and application fee will be forfeited, and the candidate will be required to submit a new application
and fee before taking the examination.

Changes and corrections to the application (name, birthdate, etc.) must be completed at least two weeks prior to
a scheduled testing appointment. Candidates are responsible for identifying any corrections or omissions and
must notify the testing program at DENTPIN@ADA.org.

Updates made to contact information (address, email address, etc.) using the “Update Your DENTPIN” page at
ADA.org/DENTPIN will NOT automatically update existing test applications and score report requests.

During the application and testing process, candidates will be required to provide their name, DENTPIN, address,
date of birth, and other requested information to allow proper identification by the testing program. This
information must be accurate. The falsification of personal information is a serious matter. If it is determined that a
candidate deliberately falsified personal information in the DENTPIN system, examination application, or at the
test center, scores will be voided, and all schools will be notified. Possible repercussions associated with

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 deliberate falsification include a required two-year waiting period before taking the examination again, or a
complete ban from the Examination Program and any other examination program implemented by DTS.

TEST CENTER PROCEDURES

The Administration Vendor will electronically capture the identity of each candidate biometrically (e.g., through
photograph, fingerprint, or palm vein scan) before candidates can proceed with testing. Candidates must consent
to these procedures before they are permitted to test. Electronic capture of biometric data allows for a more
efficient return to testing after breaks. Biometric and other identifying information will be retained by the
Administration Vendor and will be utilized for identity verification at potential future test administrations (e.g.,
retesting).

Administration Vendor staff will visually inspect eyeglasses and hair accessories as part of check-in procedures.
Staff may also use an electronic detection wand to scan for electronic devices. Jewelry, except for wedding and
engagement rings, is prohibited. Updates to security protocols at check-in may change with little to no advance
warning. Candidates can view the current check-in procedures at the Administration Vendor’s website.
Administration Vendor staff will observe candidates at all times during the testing appointment. This observation
includes staff walking through the secure testing room, as well as video recording of the candidate’s examination
session. Administration Vendor staff are required to report behavior that might represent a violation of rules and
regulations.

Administration Vendor staff are not authorized to answer questions from candidates regarding examination
content, examination software, specific examination program policies, and scoring.

IDENTIFICATION POLICY

When you arrive at the Administration Vendor test center to take your examination, two original and current forms
of identification (ID) — one primary and one secondary — will be required. An expired ID WILL NOT be accepted,
even if that ID is accompanied by temporary identification or documentation that a new, valid ID has been
requested.

The primary ID must be a government-issued ID with your photograph, name, and signature. Examples of
acceptable primary IDs include, but are not limited to a driver's license, passport, or passport card. All IDs, with
the exception of passports, must be written in English.

The secondary ID must contain your name and signature. Examples of secondary IDs include, but are not limited
to; debit cards, library cards, or a credit card.

Only physical forms of IDs will be accepted by test center staff. Digital or paper copies of IDs will not be accepted.

WARNING! Information in your DENTPIN record and submitted application (e.g., your name) must match
your IDs exactly or you will be denied admission to testing and forfeit your testing and application fee.

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 RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL A TESTING APPOINTMENT

To reschedule or cancel a testing appointment, candidates must either use the scheduling tools on the
Administration Vendor website or contact the Administration Vendor using the contact information provided on the
Administration Vendor website. This must be done in advance of the testing appointment. Additional fees apply
and must be paid directly to the Administration Vendor (see the “Examination Fees” section of this Guide). Local
test centers where candidates complete their examination cannot schedule, reschedule, or cancel your
appointment. Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled by the business day prior to the scheduled test, and
at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Candidates will receive a confirmation notice when
rescheduling their testing appointment; please retain a copy of this notice.

NO-SHOW POLICY

Candidates who do not appear for a scheduled testing appointment and do not cancel or reschedule their
appointment by the required time in advance of the test date will forfeit all testing fees. These candidates will be
required to submit a new application and provide corresponding payment to schedule a new appointment.

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 EMERGENCIES ON THE DAY OF THE TESTING APPOINTMENT

If an emergency occurs on the day of a testing appointment that prevents a candidate from sitting for their
examination, a written request for relief must be submitted to DTS. This request should include applicable
documentation and be sent to testingproblems@ADA.org within five business days of the scheduled appointment.

Examples of emergencies and applicable documentation include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sudden illness on the examination day. Provide a doctor’s note or hospital records confirming that you
were treated on the day of the examination.
o Please note that the examination program will not accept tests conducted at home, such as an at
home COVID test, as supporting documentation.
• Death in the family on the examination day. Provide a copy of an obituary, prayer card, funeral service
program, or death certificate confirming that the relative passed away or services were held on the day of
the examination.

Testing appointments affected by emergencies occurring prior to the day of the scheduled appointment should be
handled through the Administration Vendor’s rescheduling and cancellation process indicated previously.

TESTING PROBLEMS ON THE DAY OF THE TESTING APPOINTMENT

If a candidate encounters a problem during their examination, the administration should not be resumed until the
issue has been documented and resolved by the test center administrator. If a candidate continues to have issues
with their testing experience after having requested such assistance, they should again alert test center staff and
request that staff resolve the issue. If the issue persists, the candidate should immediately discontinue testing.
Candidates who continue to test despite the presence of continued, significant issues waive their right to appeal
for a remedy on the basis of those encountered issues. Concerns not resolved at the time of testing must be
submitted in writing within five business days of the testing appointment to testingproblems@ADA.org.

Candidates who encounter problems as indicated above must contact testingproblems@ADA.org directly, and
state the specific relief being requested. Upon receipt of directly communicated information, DTS will conduct an
investigation and notify the candidate of the outcome. Candidates with documented, unresolved testing issues
could be offered the courtesy of a retest within 30 days. If the candidate accepts the retest courtesy, the retest will
replace the results of the initial test, and the initial test results will be voided. Candidates who continue to test
despite severe issues — and particularly those who continue to test, wait for their results to be released, and call
DTS afterwards upon receipt of a poor score — are unlikely to obtain the remedy they seek.

Test center incident reports submitted on behalf of the candidate — and comments submitted by the candidate
via post-examination surveys — are considered indirect communication to DTS. These indirect communications
may be considered by DTS as part of its general quality assurance procedures but would not result in specific
relief for the candidate.

Examination results cannot be canceled or adjusted under any circumstances.

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 TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

The Examination Program provides reasonable and appropriate testing accommodations in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act. These accommodations occur for individuals with documented disabilities or
medical conditions who demonstrate a need for accommodation, request an accommodation prior to testing, and
who are approved by the Examination Program to receive accommodations based on the information submitted.
Testing accommodations are offered to those with a qualified disability or a medical condition in order to offer
equal access to testing. Candidates must request testing accommodations with each application. However, for
subsequent administrations, they will not be required to submit additional documentation covering the same
disability or condition.
Information concerning specific accommodations provided will not be shared outside of DTS, the test center, and
the Examination Program, and will not be indicated in examination results.
In considering a request from a candidate with a disability, the Examination Program is guided by a focus on
validity. Testing accommodations are provided so all candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their
knowledge and skills, as opposed to having the measurement of their knowledge and skills inappropriately reflect
a disability.
To determine whether a candidate qualifies for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or as a
result of a current medical condition, the Examination Program requires a complete evaluation of the candidate as
well as a completed and signed Testing Accommodations Request Form. A health care professional appropriately
qualified to evaluate the disability or medical condition must conduct the evaluation. For more information on
accommodations and an explanation of how to request testing accommodations, please consult the Testing
Accommodations Request area on the Examination Program website (see the section in this Guide entitled
“Application Procedures”).
If you have a documented disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require testing
accommodations, you must submit the following three documents prior to testing:

1. A completed test application.

2. The Testing Accommodations Request Form through your DENTPIN account.
3. Documentation to support the testing accommodation request.

You may submit your testing accommodation request in one of the following ways.

Before applying to test

• You may submit your testing accommodation request prior to submitting your examination application.
The Examination Program will review your request, and if approved, the Examination Program will add
the approved testing accommodation to your record after you complete your examination application.
• To submit a testing accommodation request before applying to test, please sign into your DENTPIN
account and click “Submit Request” from the top ribbon menu. From the dropdown menu, select
“Accommodations Request”.
• Complete and submit the Testing Accommodation Request Form. This web page includes a file uploader
that will allow candidates to attach the required supporting documentation.
• Requested testing accommodations should align with the identified functional limitation, so that the
adjustment to the testing procedure is compliant with federal guidelines.

OR

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 While applying to test
• During the application submission process, select “Yes” when asked “Are you requesting testing
accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act?”
• Fill out the Testing Accommodation Request in the examination application, which will appear after the
payment page. This web page will include a file uploader that will allow candidates to attach required
supporting documentation.
• Requested testing accommodations should align with the identified functional limitation, so that any
adjustment to the testing procedure is compliant with federal guidelines.

Candidates can schedule a testing appointment AFTER testing accommodation requests have been
approved. Testing accommodations cannot be added to a previously scheduled testing appointment. If
candidates schedule testing appointments before testing accommodations are approved, candidates will
be required to cancel the appointment and pay a cancellation fee. Candidates requesting
accommodations must receive their eligibility email with approved accommodations before scheduling a
testing appointment. Please email testingaccommodations@ADA.org with any questions on this process.

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF DOCUMENTATION

A. A copy of a current evaluation report (within the past five years) from the appropriate healthcare
professional. The document must be on an official letterhead, and should include the professional’s
credentials, signature, address, and telephone number. The report must indicate the candidate’s
name, date of birth, and date of evaluation. The report should include:

The specific diagnostic procedures or tests administered. Diagnostic methods used should be
o
appropriate to the disability and in alignment with current professional protocol.
o The results of the diagnostic procedures and/or tests and a comprehensive interpretation of the
results.
o The specific diagnosis of the disability, with an accompanying description of the candidate’s
limitations due to the disability.
o A summary of the complete evaluation with recommendations for the specific accommodations
and how they will reduce the impact of identified functional limitation.
B. Documentation of any previous accommodations provided by educational institutions or other testing
agencies. If no prior accommodations were provided, the licensed professional should include a detailed
explanation as to why no accommodations were given in the past and why accommodations are needed
now.

UNACCEPTABLE FORMS OF DOCUMENTATION

Please do not submit the documents indicated below. They will not be accepted.

• Handwritten letters from healthcare professionals.

• Handwritten patient records or notes from patient charts.
• Diagnoses on prescription pads.
• Self-evaluations
• Research articles
• Original documents (submit copies only).
• Previous correspondence to the Examination Program (DTS maintains copies of all correspondence).

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 EXAMINATION REGULATIONS AND RULES OF CONDUCT
RULES OF CONDUCT

Rules have been established that govern the administration of this examination to ensure results accurately
reflect candidates’ skills. Examination regulations and rules of conduct help preserve the integrity of the
examination process and provide standardized examination administration conditions that yield valid and reliable
results.

The Examination Program bears no responsibility for inaccurate information or inappropriate permissions
received from test center administrators. It is your personal responsibility to understand and comply with the
examination regulations indicated in this Guide. If a candidate’s conduct is determined to violate the terms set
forth in this Guide, the Examination Program will act to strictly enforce its policies and procedures.

Accessing official examination content prior to testing, breaching the confidentiality of examination content, or
any attempt to subvert the examination process represent violations of test regulations. Conduct occurring
before, during, or after testing that violates the examination regulations and rules of conduct could result in
invalidation of examination results and other penalties.

Candidates must be truthful in completing the application and must abide by all instructions regarding
examination conduct. Failure to comply with the examination regulations and rules of conduct could result in a
determination of the presence of an irregularity, and examination results could consequently be voided. If results
are voided as a result of an irregularity, candidates could be prohibited from testing for a specified time period or,
in egregious cases, from retesting at all. Additionally, candidates could face civil or criminal prosecution.

By applying for the examination, candidates agree to abide by the following Rules of Conduct:

1. The candidate certifies that they are registering for this examination for the purpose indicated in the
“Examination Purpose” section of this candidate guide. The examination may not be taken on behalf of
anyone else or for any reason other than for the purpose indicated. Candidates may not take the
examination to practice or to obtain an advance review of the content.

2. Candidates are not allowed to complete an examination for any reason other than that indicated by the
Examination Purpose. If available information suggests a previously eligible candidate might be
completing an examination for other purposes, the [acronym] Program may revoke the candidate’s
eligibility, and the candidate could be required to re-establish eligibility to take the examination.

3. Candidates will not give, receive, or obtain any form of unauthorized assistance prior to the examination,
during the examination (e.g., in the testing room or when on a break), or subsequent to the examination.

4. Candidates will maintain the confidentiality of examination content at all times. Candidates will not
reproduce or attempt to reproduce examination materials through memorization, recording, copying, or
other means. Candidates will not provide information concerning examination content that might affect the
examination’s ability to accurately assess candidates’ skills, or that might provide unfair advantage to
other candidates. For example, Candidates will neither make use of nor participate in the sharing or
distribution of information regarding examination content or answers (via electronic means or otherwise).

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 5. Candidates will not bring any unauthorized materials, as listed in the “Examination Regulations” and
“Rules of Conduct” section of this guide, into the secure testing area. All unauthorized materials must be
placed in an assigned locker and must not be accessed during testing.

6. Candidates will not remove information about the exam (written, printed, recorded, or other) from the test
center.

7. Candidates will comply with Administration Vendor test center policies and procedures and will not create
a disturbance in the test center.

8. Candidates will not tamper with the computer testing equipment and facilities.

9. Candidates will cooperate fully with any investigations involving testing irregularities and agree to have
their examination analyzed to detect aberrancies.

10. This is a secure examination protected by U.S. copyright laws. Any unauthorized disclosure of the
examination’s content could result in civil liability, criminal penalties, voiding of examination results, or
other appropriate penalties.

Test content (in whole or in part) is prohibited from being disclosed before, during, or after the test to anyone,
including but not limited to family, friends, classmates, colleagues, or test preparation organizations. This applies
to any content disclosed through discussions, emails, in writing, online (e.g., blogs, social media, websites), or
otherwise.

Candidates who receive unreleased test items should immediately contact DTS at testsecurity@ADA.org, and
should NOT review the materials they have received. Candidates who have been found to be in possession of
such information or to have participated in the distribution of this information, may have their examination results
voided. Penalties might be imposed subsequent to discovery and investigation of the original incident, which
could occur years after the incident itself.

Candidates are encouraged to report any activities where information about examination questions is disclosed,
so that DTS can investigate and take any necessary action. Report such activity to DTS at
testsecurity@ADA.org.

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 PRIVACY AND SECURITY

The Examination Program will maintain the privacy and security of candidates’ personal information using industry
standard methods. DTS will collect and retain personal information to serve candidate needs, administer the
examination, fulfill Examination Program responsibilities (e.g., to maintain the integrity of the test and detect and
prevent unlawful activity), and fulfill legal requirements. Examination results shall be retained indefinitely, along
with testing records and candidates’ personal information to the extent consistent with applicable law.

Before the examination is administered, candidates will be required to provide a written release concerning the
collection of their biometric information. Biometrics are collected by the Administration Vendor for purposes of
verifying identity and detecting and preventing unlawful activity. The Administration Vendor is required to store
data securely consistent with applicable law.

As applicable and in accordance with the purpose of each specific Examination Program, examination results will
be released or reported to state boards, education programs, or other entities upon written candidate
authorization or designation by electronic means through the electronic application or score report request form.
Examination results may be released or reported in the absence of such authorization when policies indicate that
such notification is appropriate (e.g., notification of state boards concerning an irregularity). Examination results
may be released to education programs to enable those programs to understand student outcomes. For research
and policymaking purposes, in its sole discretion the examination program may release results — with personally
identifying information removed — to individuals or entities that the Examination Program deems legitimately
interested. Information regarding privacy policies is made available to all candidates and the public.

The ADA provides information technology support for the Examination Program and uses data security
procedures to protect the integrity of personal and exam information. Security safeguards include administrative,
technical, and physical safeguards over data and data processing systems. For information on policies relating to
your use of the ADA website, please refer to the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use available at ADA.org.

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 EXAMINATION MISCONDUCT

The Examination Program strives to report results that accurately reflect the skills and performance of each
candidate. The standards and procedures for administering each examination are intended to provide
candidates with a reasonable opportunity to demonstrate their skills, and to facilitate accurate evaluation of
those skills.

The Examination Program reserves the right to withhold, void, or invalidate any result when, in the Examination
Program’s judgment, it is reasonable to question the validity of the result. Reasons for withholding, voiding or
invalidating results, or imposing other appropriate penalties could include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Unusual answer patterns.

• Atypical score increases from one examination attempt to another.
• Discrepancy in, or falsification of, a candidate’s identification.
• Information indicating that a candidate has engaged in misconduct or a violation of the examination
regulations, rules of conduct, or test center procedures.
• Sharing remembered exam questions or answers. This includes sharing through social media platforms,
online discussion forums, or other means.
• Taking an examination on behalf of another individual or having another individual take an examination
on your behalf.
• Falsification of application information or supporting documents.
• Falsification of a candidate’s results or results report.
• Inconsistent performance on different sections of the exam from one examination attempt to another.
• Improper access to secure exam content.
• Evidence concerning the presence of an examination administration irregularity.
• Any other information indicating the results might not be valid.

When examination results are voided or invalidated, the candidate is notified in writing. This notice includes
information about the decision and the procedure for appeal. Results will remain voided until the appeal process
has been completed, or the time to appeal has expired.

If it is determined a candidate has engaged in irregular behavior, information regarding this determination
becomes a part of the candidate’s record. At its sole discretion, the Examination Program may elect to send a
summary report documenting the incident to legitimately interested parties. This would include all parties to
whom a candidate has instructed results be sent (both currently and in the future).

In situations where an irregularity has occurred, individuals who are involved or implicated with respect to the
occurrence of the irregularity, or who are reasonably believed to have witnessed the irregularity, could be asked
to provide information concerning the irregularity.

The Examination Program reserves the right to pursue other remedies, including prosecution of anyone
whose conduct unlawfully undermines the security of the examination or the integrity of the examination
process.

No personal items are permitted in the secure testing area. Any personal belongings brought to the test center
must be stored in a designated locker; storage is limited. Personal belongings may be inspected. Notes or any
materials accessed during the examination or on an unscheduled break could be confiscated. Accessing
personal belongings or a locker during an unscheduled break violates the examination regulations. Test

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 administrators are NOT authorized to provide permission to candidates to access personal belongings or lockers
during an unscheduled break.

Items that are prohibited from the secure testing area include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Books, notes, study materials, scratch paper, tissues, and markers.

• Personal earplugs not previously approved by the Administration Vendor. Headphones NOT provided by
the Administration Vendor.
• Dental instruments, models, or materials
• Slide rules, paper, calculating devices, rulers, and other measuring devices (except those items approved
in advance under testing accommodations).
• Electronic devices such as cell phones, recording devices, iPods, tablets, and headsets.
• Tote bags, purses, wallets, backpacks, and briefcases.
• Highlighters, pens, erasers, pencils, dictionaries, and translators.
• Food, candy, gum, and beverages (except those items approved in advance under testing
accommodations).
• Outerwear, such as coats, jackets, gloves, or head coverings (religious attire is allowed).
• Good luck charms, statues, religious or spiritual items, and similar objects.
• Watches (digital, analog, or smart) or timing devices (a timer is provided on the computer screen during
the examination).
• Magnifying devices.
• Jewelry (except for wedding and engagement rings).

The test center will provide two note boards (without graph lines) and two low-odor fine tip markers during the
examination. Used note boards will be replaced by test center staff upon request. Scratch paper, pencils, and
markers not furnished by the testing center are prohibited.

Candidates may not write on the note boards before the test begins or during scheduled breaks. The note
boards should not be folded, bent, distorted, or modified in any manner. Markers cannot be used on any surface
other than the note boards. Candidates may not touch the monitor during the examination. All items provided
must be returned to the test administrator before leaving the test center. Test center note boards will not be
stored for multiple day examination use. Any notes taken will be surrendered at the end of each testing day and
erased.

Candidates may not engage in conversation with others during testing or while on an unscheduled break.
Discussing the examination is strictly prohibited.

Test center administrators will report the activity of candidates who take unscheduled breaks.

During an unscheduled break, candidates may NOT access personal belongings or prohibited items,
study or refer to notes or texts, use a phone, eat food or drink a beverage from the candidate’s locker, or
leave the test center. Test administrators are NOT authorized to provide permission to engage in these
activities.

Although the examination is administered under strict supervision and with security measures in place,
examination irregularities can sometimes occur. Examination results could be voided based upon a breach of
examination security, invalid examination conditions, or candidate violations of the examination regulations, rules
of conduct, or test center procedures. If irregularities are detected during an administration, or if evidence of
irregular behavior is disclosed when the examination is scored or afterward, those involved will have their

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 examination results voided and face appropriate penalties.

Failure to comply with examination regulations, rules of conduct, and test center procedures could
result in a determination of the presence of an irregularity, and examination results could be withheld,
canceled, considered invalid, or another appropriate penalty could be imposed. Candidates might also
be directed to leave the test center before the examination is completed. If results are withheld or
invalidated, or if other penalties are imposed as the result of an irregularity, candidates could be
prohibited from testing and/or other appropriate penalties could be imposed.

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 IRREGULARITIES AND APPEALS

An irregularity is defined as a situation in which there could be a question about the validity of examination
results in accurately reflecting the ability and skills of a candidate.

For example, such questions could be raised when:

• There is communication between candidates during the testing session.

• Unauthorized assistance occurs.
• Candidates have inappropriate access to examination content (e.g., remembered questions or answers
are shared by email, online posting, or other means).
• Conduct prohibited by the examination regulations, rules of conduct, or test center procedures occurs, or
examination administration disruptions are present, including natural disasters and other emergencies.

When an irregularity is identified, results for the candidate(s) involved will be voided pending resolution of the
corresponding appeal(s). If an appeal is denied or no appeal is filed, the results of the candidate(s) involved
could remain voided and/or other appropriate remedies imposed.

Rule violations and/or irregularities occurring in one Examination Program implemented by DTS may result in
penalties that impact a candidate’s ability to test in another Examination Program implemented by DTS.

Candidates whose results are subject to being voided are notified by written correspondence and provided with
a copy of the Limited Right of Appeal for Examination Candidates (see document below). Appeals must be
submitted in writing within 30 days of notification of the irregularity. Appeals must clearly state the
specific relief being requested and include corresponding arguments, evidence, and documentation in
support of the request.

The candidate will be notified of the appeal decision within 60 days after receipt of the appeal.

When considering an appeal, the Examination Program strives to ensure that examination results accurately
reflect candidates’ skills, and that the appealing candidate has an opportunity equal to, but not greater than, the
opportunity provided to other candidates.

Results will be voided when there is a reasonable and good faith basis to do so. If it is determined that voiding
results is not warranted under the circumstances, the results will be released.

Candidates should be aware that irregularities - other than natural disasters and emergencies beyond the control
of the candidate - are considered to be a serious breach of the examination process.

The Examination Program strives to handle irregularities and their investigation in a confidential, professional,
fair, and objective manner.

Candidates should be aware that reports of irregularities may have consequences beyond the voiding of results
or the imposition of other appropriate penalties.

• Information regarding irregularities may be brought to the attention of school authorities, regulatory
agencies, or other entities, by other sources.
• Additional information concerning a candidate may surface within the context of an investigation into an
irregularity.

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 Candidates are encouraged to report suspicious activity and observations of rules violations to DTS at
testsecurity@ADA.org.

Limited Right of Appeal for Examination Candidates

The Examination Program recognizes that strict application of Rules and/or Policies for the DAT may, because of
unusual circumstances, impose an unusual burden on one or more candidates. In these situations, the
Examination Program may consider an appeal.

Requests for an appeal pertaining to test results must be initiated within 30 days of receiving test results or, in the
case of withheld results, within 30 days of receiving written notice that results are being withheld. In the event that
the Examination Program has given notice that previously released results are to be invalidated or voided, the
request for appeal must be submitted within 30 days of that notice. In this case, a request for appeal will stay the
action to invalidate or void the results until such time as the appeal is decided or the time for submitting a request
for appeal has expired. A request for an appeal must be submitted in writing and must include adequate
supporting documentation. The request for an appeal must indicate the specific relief requested.

A request for an appeal will first be screened by the designated Chair of the Governing Body, in consultation with
the Director of Testing Services. At the Chair’s sole discretion, the Chair may 1) grant the appeal, 2) deny the
appeal, or 3) forward the appeal to a designated group within the Governing Body for its consideration. If during
deliberations credible information becomes available indicating an error was made in the decision involving the
candidate’s case, the Chair in consultation with the Director may end the deliberations and grant the appeal. At
the Chair’s discretion, the Chair may delegate the screening of appeals to another member of the Governing
Body.

In rendering a decision with respect to appeals—and particularly in situations where results have been withheld—
the touchstone and foremost consideration is the validity of examination results, in alignment with the purpose of
the examination. The Examination Program strives to be fair and objective in its decision-making process, as it
remains true to its mission. When considering appeals, the Examination Program avoids favoritism and strives to
ensure that all candidates are treated equally and fairly.

If the issue presented in an appeal is likely to recur, the Governing Body may consider a change in its Rules
and/or Policies. The granting of an appeal will be considered a precedent only if a change in Rules and/or Policies
is also adopted. The candidate will be notified of the Governing Body’s decision within 60 days after receipt of the
written request for an appeal.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 30
 ARBITRATION REQUIREMENT

Arbitration has become an increasingly common way to resolve legal differences. Generally speaking, the
advantages of arbitration over traditional lawsuits are that arbitration is less expensive and issues are resolved in
less time. If a candidate wishes to pursue a dispute that has not been resolved by the appeal process mentioned
above and detailed in the Limited Right of Appeal for Examination Candidates, the candidate must use the
procedure described in the following Agreement to Arbitrate.

AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE
1. In the event that any legal dispute arises between you and the Examination Program, in connection with
your participation in this Examination Program, where that dispute is not resolved by the appeals
process detailed in this Guide and elsewhere, you agree that the exclusive means for resolving the
dispute shall be Binding Arbitration as described by the terms of this Agreement and pursuant to
applicable law. This means that you waive the rights you may have to resolve the dispute in a court of
law, or by any other means that might otherwise be available to you.

2. The American Dental Association (“ADA”) agrees to be similarly bound except that the ADA reserves its
full rights to pursue injunctive and other appropriate relief in any state or federal court in cases of unfair
competition or violations of, or threats to violate, any intellectual property rights of the ADA. With respect
to any action filed by the ADA pursuant to this paragraph 2, you consent to submit to the jurisdiction of
the state or federal court in which the ADA seeks relief.

3. Arbitration proceedings initiated pursuant to this Agreement to Arbitrate shall be conducted in

accordance with the then current Consumer Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
The arbitrator’s award shall be binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent
jurisdiction. Information about the American Arbitration Association, its rules, and its forms are available
from the American Arbitration Association website, ADR.org.

4. In the event of Arbitration, and except to the extent the Consumer Arbitration Rules provide otherwise,
the parties shall bear their own costs and attorneys’ fees associated with the Arbitration proceedings,
unless the arbitrator directs one of the parties to pay the other’s costs, or attorneys’ fees, or both.

5. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no Arbitration brought pursuant to this Agreement shall be joined
to any Arbitration involving any other party whether through “Class Arbitration” proceedings or otherwise.

6. This Agreement is part of the application to take this examination. Your assent to be bound by it is a
requirement for taking the examination, but you can only sit for the examination if you also fulfill all other
conditions imposed by the Examination Program.

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Updated: 12/11/2024 DAT 2025 Candidate Guide | 31