The examinations are comprised exclusively of multiple choice test items presented in the English language. Each edition of an examination is developed according to the examination outline. There are four examinations included in the Dental Admission Testing Program. The entire program requires just over one half day for administration. The examinations included are:
Part I - Survey of the Natural Sciences
Biology:
- Cell and Molecular Biology - origin of life; cell metabolism (including photosynthesis)/ enzymology; cellular processes: thermodynamics; organelle structure and function; mitosis/meiosis
- Diversity of Life: Biological Organization and Relationship of Major Taxa (monera, planti, anamalia, protista, fungi, etc.) using the five kingdom system
- Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology: Structure and Function of Systems - integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, immunological, digestive, respiratory, urinary, nervous/senses, endocrine, and reproductive
- Developmental Biology - fertilization, descriptive embryology, and developmental mechanisms
- Genetics - molecular genetics, human genetics, classical genetics, and chromosomal genetics
- Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior - natural selection, population genetics/speciation, cladistics, population and community ecology, ecosystems, and animal behavior (including social behavior)
General Chemistry:
- Stoichiometry and General Concepts - (percent composition, empirical formulae, balancing equations, moles and molecular formulas, molar mass, density, and calculations from balanced equations
- Gases - kinetic molecular theory of gases, Dalton's, Boyle's, Charles, and ideal gas laws
- Liquids and Solids - intermolecular forces, phase changes, vapor pressure, structures, polarity, and properties
- Solutions - polarity, properties (colligative, non-colligative), forces, and concentration calculation
- Acids and Bases - pH, strength, Bronsted-Lowry reactions, and calculations
- Chemical Equilibria - molecular, acid/base, precipitation, calculations, and Le Chatelier’s principle
- Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry- laws of thermodynamics, Hess’ law, spontaneity, enthalpies and entropies, and heat transfer
- Chemical Kinetics - rate laws, activation energy, and half life
- Oxidation-Reduction Reactions - balancing equations, determination of oxidation numbers, electrochemical calculations, and electrochemical concepts and terminology
- Atomic and Molecular Structure - electron configuration, orbital types, Lewis-Dot diagrams, atomic theory, quantum theory, molecular geometry, bond types, and sub-atomic particles
- Periodic Properties -representative elements, transition elements, periodic trends, and descriptive chemistry
- Nuclear Reactions - balancing equations, binding energy, decay processes, particles, and terminology
- Laboratory - basic techniques, equipment, error analysis, safety, and data analysis.
Organic Chemistry:
- Mechanisms (Energetics, Structure, and Stability of Intermediates) - SN1, SN2, elimination, addition, free radical, and substitution mechanisms
- Chemical and Physical Properties of Molecules and Organic Analysis - inter and intra molecular forces, separation, introductory infrared spectroscopy, 1HNMR spectroscopy, 13CNMR, chemical identification, stability, solubility, and polarity
- Stereochemistry - conformational analysis, optical activity, chirality, chiral centers, planes of symmetry, enantiomers, diastereomers, and meso compounds
- Nomenclature - IUPAC rules, and functional groups in molecules
- Individual Reactions of the Major Functional Groups and Combinations of Reactions to Synthesize Compounds
- Acid Base Chemistry - resonance effects, inductive results, and prediction of products and equilibria
- Aromatics and Bonding - concept of aromaticity, resonance, atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals, hybridization, bond angles, and bond lengths.
Part II - Perceptual Ability
Angle discrimination, form development cubes, orthographic projections, apertures, and paper folding.
Part III - Reading Comprehension
Ability to read, organize, analyze, and remember new information in dental and basic sciences. Ability to comprehend thoroughly when studying scientific information. Reading materials are typical of materials encountered in the first year of dental school and require no prior knowledge of the topic other than a basic undergraduate preparation in science. The Reading Comprehension Test contains three reading passages.
Part IV - Quantitative Reasoning
Mathematical Problems:
- Algebra - equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation, absolute value, ratios and proportions, and graphical analysis
- Numerical calculations - fractions and decimals, percentages, approximations and scientific notation
- Conversions - temperature, time, weight, and distance
- Probability and Statistics
- Geometry
- Trigonometry, and Applied Mathematics (Word) Problems
Test Session
The candidate will have a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the four tests in the DAT battery. A 15 minute break is optional after completing the second test in the battery. If a candidate opts to take the break, the testing session will resume automatically after 15 minutes have elapsed. Eating and drinking are not permitted in the testing room.
The DAT battery includes:
| Survey of Natural Sciences |
90 Minutes |
| Perceptual Ability Test |
60 Minutes |
| Break (optional) |
15 Minutes |
| Reading Comprehension Test |
60 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning Test |
45 Minutes |
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