What’s on the DAT? How Long It Is, What Questions to Expect, and What Content to Study

Key Takeaway

Table of Contents

If you're getting ready for the DAT, knowing what’s actually on the exam is half the battle. Understanding the timing, question types, and content breakdown will help you study smarter and avoid surprises on test day. Here's a complete guide to what’s on the DAT—with a breakdown of each section, what topics to study, and how long you’ll have to answer.

How Long Is the DAT?

The DAT takes just over five hours, including an optional break. Here’s the full test-day schedule:

<table border="1" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>DAT Section</th>
      <th>Time</th>
      <th>Number of Questions</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Survey of Natural Sciences</td>
      <td>90 minutes</td>
      <td>100</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)</td>
      <td>60 minutes</td>
      <td>90</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Optional Break</td>
      <td>30 minutes</td>
      <td>—</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Reading Comprehension</td>
      <td>60 minutes</td>
      <td>50</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Quantitative Reasoning</td>
      <td>45 minutes</td>
      <td>40</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Post-Test Survey (optional)</td>
      <td>~15 minutes</td>
      <td>—</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

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You’ll also have the option to complete a short tutorial before the exam timer starts. Knowing what kind of scrap paper you get on the DAT can help you practice your scratch work efficiently during prep. Once a section ends, you can’t go back so your pacing matters.

Section 1: Survey of Natural Sciences (100 Questions, 90 Minutes)

This section covers three sciences that make up the foundation of dental school coursework:

Biology – 40 Questions

Key topics to study:

Cell and molecular biology
Genetics and evolution
Physiology
Ecology
Developmental biology
Diversity of life

General Chemistry – 30 Questions

High-yield areas include:

Stoichiometry
Equilibrium
Thermodynamics
Gases and solutions
Acids and bases
Redox reactions

For a deeper look, check out types of questions on the DAT general chemistry section so you know exactly what to expect.

Organic Chemistry – 30 Questions

Expect questions on:

Functional groups
Mechanisms
Stereochemistry
Nomenclature
Spectroscopy

This section is all about applying concepts, not memorizing facts. (Bootcamp resources are great for targeted practice in all three sciences.)

Section 2: Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) (90 Questions, 60 Minutes)

The PAT is unlike any other standardized test section. There’s no science and no calculator—it’s all visual-spatial reasoning.

The PAT is divided into six question types:

Keyholes
Top-Front-End (TFE)
Angle Ranking
Hole Punching
Cube Counting
Pattern Folding

Each subtest has 15 questions. Timing is tight, so strategy and repetition are crucial. PAT generators and timed drills can make a big difference in improving speed and accuracy.

Section 3: Reading Comprehension (50 Questions, 60 Minutes)

You’ll get three scientific passages with ~16–17 questions per passage. The content is dental or science-related, but you don’t need outside knowledge—just strong comprehension skills.

Question styles include:

Detail retrieval
Inference and tone
Main idea
Application-based reasoning

Students typically use strategies like search-and-destroy, mapping, or hybrid approaches. (Bootcamp’s reading comprehension practice is perfect for this.)

Section 4: Quantitative Reasoning (40 Questions, 45 Minutes)

This math section is quick and calculation-heavy. You’ll have access to an on-screen calculator.

Topics include:

Algebra
Ratios and proportions
Conversions
Geometry
Trigonometry
Probability and statistics
Word problems
Data analysis and graphs

Time management is essential. Drilling with timed practice sets will build speed and accuracy quickly.

DAT Question Format and Scoring

All DAT questions are multiple-choice with four answer choices. There are no essays or free-response questions.

No penalty for guessing
Each section is scored from 1 to 30
An 18 is the national average
Your Academic Average (AA) includes Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning

Your score report will also include:

Total Science (TS) score
Perceptual Ability score

What Content Should You Study for the DAT?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to focus on:

Natural Sciences

Understand core concepts rather than memorizing facts
Review high-yield topics and DAT-style reactions

PAT

Practice consistently
Use generators and timed drills
Learn shortcuts for each subtest

Reading Comprehension

Practice with real DAT-like passages
Train your strategy, not just your reading speed

Quantitative Reasoning

Drill formulas and common problem types
Practice with a timer to build speed and accuracy

How to Start Preparing

Here’s a simple approach to organizing your study:

1. Learn the Format

You now know how long the DAT is and what sections to expect—that’s your foundation.

2. Use DAT-Specific Resources

Bootcamp gives you realistic question banks, videos, and full-length exams. If you’re taking the test in Canada, you can also check out using Bootcamp for the Canadian DAT.

3. Plan Your Study Timeline

Most students study 2–4 months, depending on their background. Unsure when to start? Here’s a guide on when to start studying for the DAT to pace your prep efficiently.