Getting ready to write the DAT

15 January 2014

Many pre-dentistry students will be writing the Canadian DAT this February. The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) Program is conducted by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), in coordination with the American Dental Association, and has been in operation on a national basis since 1966. OzTREKK has compiled some information from the Canadian Dental Association website about the DAT in order to help students in their preparation to plan to write the DAT, and to give a little bit of background information to students considering applying to an Australian dental school in the future.

Sydney Dental School
Students at the Sydney Dental School

Upcoming DAT dates:

  • Saturday, February 22, 2014
  • Saturday, November 1, 2014

Canadian Dental Admission Test Format

There are four examinations included in the English DAT and three examinations included in the French DAT. The tests are administered over a half day and include the following:
1. Manual Dexterity Test* – 30 minutes
2. Survey of Natural Sciences – 60 minutes
3. Perceptual Ability – 60 minutes
4. Reading Comprehension (English DAT only) – 50 minutes
*Not all Canadian or Australian Dental Schools use the Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) as part of their admission requirements. This test consists of carving a specified model out of a cylindrical bar of soap specially made for the DAT. Neither the University of Melbourne nor the University of Sydney require this section to be completed to be considered for entry into dental school.
OzTREKK represents the following Australian Dental Schools:

If you have any questions regarding the DAT or dental school in Australia, please contact OzTREKK’s Australian Dental Schools Admissions Officer Adam Smith. Email Adam at adam@oztrekk.com or call toll free in Canada at 1 866-698-7355.

Find out how OzTREKK helps you to study in Australia!

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