DAT Candidate Guide - Official Guide to the Dental Aptitude Test (Canada) - Updated January 2026

Sep 29, 2026

Official guide outlining the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) program administered by the Canadian Dental Association for Canadian dental school admissions. Defines the DAT’s purpose, overall examination structure, and how results support candidate selection. Provides preparation and reference materials, eligibility requirements, registration and test-centre procedures, testing accommodations, and examination regulations. Also includes revision history and a reference text list for the DAT.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Notices

Revision History

Examination Purpose

Examination Content and Preparation Materials

Results Information

Eligibility Requirements

Examination Information

Test Registration Procedure

Test Centre Procedures

Testing Accommodations

Examination Regulations and Rules of Conduct

Appendix 1: Dental Aptitude Test Reference Text List

Candidate Guide Official Guide to the Dental Aptitude Test (Canada) Updated January 2026 NOTICES You are required to read this document before you apply to take the examination. At the time of registration, you must confirm that you have read this document, understood its contents, and agree to comply with the policies and procedures it contains. Changes to the DAT Program might occur after publication of this Guide and will be posted at [www.cda](www.cda)[adc.ca/dat](adc.ca/dat. You will)[. You will](adc.ca/dat. You will) be subject to the policies and procedures in effect at the time you write the DAT. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of the policies and procedures in effect at that time. Acknowledgements The Canadian Dental Association acknowledges the assistance of the Department of Testing Services atthe American Dental Association for their ongoing collaboration in providing a Dental Aptitude Test of the highest caliber. Copyright © 2026 American Dental Associa tion All Rights Reserved 2026-01-01 TABLE OF CONTENTS NOTICES ................................................................................................................................................... I REVISION HISTORY .................................................................................................................................. II EXAMINATION PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 1 EXAMINATION CONTENT AND PREPARATION MATERIALS ....................................................................... 3 RESULTS INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 5 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................... 7 EXAMINATION INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 8 TEST REGISTRATION PROCEDURE .......................................................................................................... 10 TEST CENTRE PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................... 11 TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS................................................................................................................ 13 EXAMINATION REGULATIONS AND RULES OF CONDUCT........................................................................ 15 APPENDIX 1: DENTAL APTITUDE TEST REFERENCE TEXT LIST .................................................................. 22 REVISION HISTORY Listed below are significant revisions to the DAT Candidate Guide. EXAMINATION PURPOSE The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) Program is provided by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) to assist dental schools in selecting first-year students. Dental schools use information concerning candidates’DAT performance to inform admissions decisions. While most dental schools require applicants to participate in the DAT Program, DAT results are just one factor considered in evaluating applicants. Validity studies have shown that test scores in conjunction with academic performance are useful in predicting success in dental school. The relative importance of these predictors in the admission process is determined by each dental school. The Canadian Dental Aptitude Test has two main parts: the computer-based “written” test and the Manual Dexterity Test. The Manual Dexterity Test, which involves carving a piece of soap according to exact specifications, is currently suspended because of COVID-19 restrictions and related logistical challenges. CDA is working toward the resolution of those challenges and will reintroduce the Manual Dexterity Test as soon as [possible. Monitor](possible. Monitor

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) program?

The DAT program helps dental schools select first-year students. Schools use candidate performance information to support admissions decisions, and DAT results are one factor among others.

What parts does the DAT include, and why is the Manual Dexterity Test suspended?

The DAT has two main parts: a computer-based “written” test and the Manual Dexterity Test. The Manual Dexterity Test is currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions and related logistical challenges.

How do candidates register and book a DAT test appointment?

Candidates register on the CDA website, then receive an eligibility email with an Eligibility ID and the six-month testing window start date. Using the Eligibility ID, candidates book an appointment at a Prometric test centre through Prometric’s website.

Sep 29, 2026

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