Upcoming Changes to DAT - Scoring and Reporting - Timeline and Score Reporting Updates

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Paura

Upcoming changes to the Dental Admission Test (DAT) scoring and reporting system will take effect on March 1, 2025, replacing the current 2-digit scale (1 to 30) with a 3-digit scale (200 to 600). Starting that date, unofficial score reports will no longer be available at the testing site, and all official scores will be reported to ADEA AADSAS on the new 3-digit scale, including administrations prior to March 1, 2025 via psychometric conversion. DAT content remains unchanged, but candidates can use a concordance table to compare 2-digit and 3-digit results and self-report for AADSAS applications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

What changes starting March 1, 2025

New 3-digit scoring scale and unofficial report availability

Reporting to ADEA AADSAS and timeline

FAQ: Validity, comparison, and applications

Validity of 2-digit scores

How to compare 2-digit and 3-digit scores

Score access at the testing site

Impact on ADEA AADSAS applications and eligibility window

How dental schools interpret and compare scores

Upcoming Changes to DAT® Scoring and Reporting Starting March 1, 2025, the American Dental Association (ADA) will implement a new scoring system for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) . At that time, the current 2-digit score reporting scale (1 to 30) will be replaced by a 3-digit reporting scale (200 to 600) . What does this change mean for you? • The new scoring system improves the DAT’s accuracy in representing your skills, giving you and prospective dental schools stronger insight into your true level of preparedness for the rigors of dental school. • Beginning March 1, 2025, unofficial score reports will not be available at the testing site. This is because the new scoring system requires additional analyses to provide a more precise score. • There is no change to DAT content. The DAT will continue to assess the same topic areas it does now. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions What is the timeline for this change, and how will results be reported? DAT administrations occurring on or after March 1, 2025, will be scored using the new scoring system. To assist dental program admissions officers and reduce the possibility of interpretational errors, beginning March 1, 2025 all DAT scores will be reported to ADEA AADSAS on the new 3-digit scale (200 to 600) . This includes results from administrations prior to March 1, 2025 (the latter of which will be psychometrically converted) . Under the new reporting scale, DAT scores can range from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments (e.g. , 200, 210, 220,…600) . Results from administrations prior to March 1, 2025 will still be available in their original 2-digit format in the DTS Hub, to assist those who wish to see their prior test results in the original 2-digit format. Why is the scoring system changing? The DAT is a valid, reliable, and fair examination. The ADA is committed to continually improving this state-of-the-art examination program, through the involvement of numerous subject matter experts with expertise in relevant areas (content expertise, fairness expertise, and psychometric expertise) . This change represents a psychometric improvement to the performance of the examination, resulting in greater precision and accuracy in estimating candidates’ skills. This improvement is anticipated to benefit both dental admission programs and candidates. Will 2-digit scores still be valid? Yes. 2-digit and 3-digit scores will both be valid scores. How can I compare 2-digit and 3-digit scores? A concordance table is available to help candidates , admissions officers , and pre-health advisors compare scores. This table provides a rough sense of the general correspondence between 2-digit and 3-digit scores, and is available on [the DAT website at](the DAT website at ADA.org/DATConcordanceTable)[ ADA.org/DATConcordanceTable](the DAT website at ADA.org/DATConcordanceTable). Will I still be able to get my score at the testing site? No, unofficial scores will no longer be available at the testing site as of March 1, 2025. The new scoring system requires additional analyses to provide a more precise score. For score reporting timelines, visit the ADA website. How will this affect my ADEA AADSAS application? Candidates will still be able to self-report their DAT scores, regardless of whether they are 2-digit or 3-digit scores. All official DAT scores will be sent from the ADA to ADEA AADSAS. Some candidates maybe submitting applications for the 2025-2026 application cycle, while relying solely on DAT administrations that took place prior to March 1, 2025. The ADA has provided ADEA AADSAS with converted scores to assist candidates who are in this situation. These converted scores enable ADEAAADSAS to present scores for all candidates on the 3-digit reporting scale, to help admissions officers and facilitate accurate score interpretation. The ADA grants a six-month window to take the DAT. How does this change affect that eligibility window? Candidates’ choice

FAQs

When will the DAT scoring and reporting change take effect, and what scales will be used?

DAT administrations on or after March 1, 2025 will use a new 3-digit scoring scale (200 to 600) instead of the current 2-digit scale (1 to 30).

Will unofficial score reports still be available at the testing site after March 1, 2025?

No. Beginning March 1, 2025, unofficial score reports will no longer be available at the testing site because additional analyses are required for more precise scoring.

How can candidates compare 2-digit and 3-digit scores for the application process?

A concordance table is available to provide a rough correspondence between 2-digit and 3-digit scores. Candidates can also self-report DAT scores, and official converted scores are provided to support AADSAS interpretation on the 3-digit scale.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Paura