The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized examination required for admission to all dental schools in the United States and many in Canada. This test assesses a candidate’s academic ability, scientific knowledge, and perceptual ability. Understanding the rules governing the number of times a candidate can sit for the examination is important for strategic planning. The American Dental Association (ADA), which administers the DAT, sets clear policies regarding the maximum number of attempts allowed throughout a candidate’s lifetime.
The Official Lifetime Limit
The standard policy allows a candidate to take the Dental Admission Test a maximum of three times without needing special permission from the DAT Program. This initial limit is the default allowance for all registered candidates.
Once a candidate registers for the test, shows up at the testing center, and begins the examination, it officially counts as an attempt. This rule applies even if the candidate does not complete the entire test or cancels their score. The act of starting the examination at the Prometric testing center triggers the count against the lifetime limit.
Since all scores and attempts are permanently recorded and reported to dental schools, candidates must approach each sitting with thorough preparation. Reaching the three-attempt limit without a competitive score complicates the application process. Dental schools receive a complete history of all attempts, allowing admissions committees to evaluate the candidate’s performance trajectory. Candidates are advised to use their initial three attempts judiciously.
Mandatory Waiting Periods Between Attempts
Separate from the lifetime count, the DAT Program enforces a mandatory waiting period between any two testing administrations. A candidate must wait a minimum of 60 days before they are eligible to retake the examination. This 60-day rule applies regardless of the attempt number.
This required interval ensures that candidates use the time for meaningful preparation and remediation. The policy also includes a frequency restriction, limiting candidates to a maximum of four administrations within any 12-month period. This annual cap prevents excessive retaking within a short timeframe.
After a candidate has reached their fifth attempt, the frequency restriction becomes more stringent. The candidate is limited to only one retest per 12-month period. These time-based restrictions encourage candidates to make substantial improvements between attempts.
The Exception Request Process
For a candidate who has reached the standard three-attempt limit and wishes to take the DAT a fourth time, a formal exception request must be submitted to the DAT Program. This process requires the candidate to petition the ADA for special permission to test again. The request must be accompanied by documentation demonstrating a compelling reason for the additional attempt.
A primary requirement for the exception is providing proof of a recent application to dental school. The DAT Program requires this evidence to ensure that any subsequent attempts are for the purpose of pursuing a dental education. This documentation confirms the candidate is actively engaged in the application cycle.
If the candidate is granted permission for a fourth attempt, they must still adhere to the 60-day waiting period and the annual frequency limits. Should a candidate need a fifth or subsequent attempt, they must repeat the exception request process for each additional administration. The ADA reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis, and permission is not guaranteed.