How Do I Register for the DAT?: Test Fee Costs, Submission Processes, and Schedules

Key Takeaway

Table of Contents

If you are planning on applying to dental school, registering for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is one of the first major steps in your application journey. The process is straightforward, but there are several moving parts, including eligibility requirements, application steps, fees, and scheduling. Here is a complete breakdown so you can register with confidence and avoid delays.

Step 1: Confirm You Are Eligible to Take the DAT

Before you can register, you need approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). Eligibility is typically granted if:

You are enrolled at an accredited college or university
You have completed or will soon complete at least one year of college-level biology and chemistry
You plan to apply to dental school

If you are not currently in a degree program, you may need to provide additional documentation explaining your intent to apply to dental school.

Step 2: Create an ADA DENTPIN

Every applicant needs a DENTPIN, which is a unique identifier used for:

DAT registration
Score reporting
Dental school applications through AADSAS or TMDSAS

You can request one directly through the ADA website in a few minutes. If you have already taken the DAT or applied to dental school before, you likely have one already.

Step 3: Submit Your DAT Application Through the ADA

Once you have your DENTPIN, submit your DAT application online. You will need to provide:

Personal information
Academic details
Your DENTPIN
Agreement to test policies
Payment for the exam fee

After submitting your application, the ADA will review it and send you an email confirming your eligibility. This processing window can take up to two weeks, so apply early.

DAT Fees and Costs

Understanding the fees upfront will help you budget and avoid surprise expenses.

Primary DAT Fee: $550

This includes:

The full exam
Score reporting to five dental schools

Additional Score Reports

$50 per school beyond the first five.

Rescheduling Fees

Rescheduling Fees by Time Before Test Date
Time Before Test Date	Fee
1–5 business days	$300
6–30 business days	$125
31 or more business days	$0

Score Audit (Optional)

$65 if you request verification after testing.

Fee waivers are limited. The ADA offers a program that covers 50 percent of the DAT fee for eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step 4: Schedule Your DAT with Prometric

Once your application is approved, the ADA will email you an eligibility ID. You will then schedule your exam with Prometric by choosing:

Date
Time
Testing center location

Seats fill quickly, especially in late spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you receive your eligibility confirmation.

When Should You Schedule Your Test?

You can take the DAT year-round except Sundays and holidays, but timing matters.

Popular Testing Windows

May to August: Peak demand for upcoming applicants
December to January: During or after finals
February to April: Ideal for retakes or early planners

You can take the DAT up to three times without special permission. After that, ADA approval is required. You must wait at least 60 days between attempts.

Validity and Score Reporting

DAT scores remain valid for five years.

The primary fee covers score reports to five dental schools. If you need to send additional reports later, you can order them for $50 each.

How Far in Advance Should You Register?

To avoid stress or limited scheduling options, plan backward from your intended application cycle.

If You Are Applying in June

Take the DAT no later than April or May
Apply and schedule two to three months ahead

If You May Retake

Schedule your first attempt early, ideally January to March
Allow for the 60-day gap before a second test

Step-by-Step Registration Checklist

Here is everything in order:

Confirm eligibility
Get your DENTPIN
Submit your DAT application
Pay the $550 fee
Wait for ADA approval
Schedule your test with Prometric
Begin studying

Ready to Start Studying?

Registering is only the first step. How you prepare determines your score. DAT Bootcamp gives you everything you need to study efficiently and score higher, including: