Dental School Admissions

DAT® Test Prep

Master every section of the Dental Admission Test with 1-on-1 prep from an expert tutor — content mastery and test-day strategy, in person or online.

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Your Path to Dental School Starts Here

The DAT is required for admission to all dental schools in the United States. We help you walk in ready for every section.

Our DAT prep goes beyond memorization. Full-time Foley Prep tutors review the science content the exam covers, sharpen the spatial-reasoning skills the Perceptual Ability Test demands, and build the pacing and strategy that turn preparation into a strong, balanced score.

Sessions are tailored to your timeline and your weakest areas. Whether you're shoring up Organic Chemistry, drilling the PAT, or tightening Quantitative Reasoning, we build a plan around your target score and test date.

Why pre-dental students choose Foley
  • 1-on-1 with a science-matched tutor
  • Dedicated Perceptual Ability Test technique work
  • In-person at 7 NJ centers or fully online
  • High-yield study plans built around your test date

What Every DAT Package Includes

Focused, expert-led prep tailored to the four DAT sections — not a one-size-fits-all course.

Science Experts

Tutors who know Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry at the depth the DAT demands.

PAT Technique

Structured practice for the Perceptual Ability Test — angle ranking, paper folding, and 3D reasoning.

Personalized Plans

Every session targets your specific gaps across the Natural Sciences, Reading, and Quantitative sections.

Flexible Scheduling

Book around classes, labs, and work — in person or online. Summer prep is especially popular.

How DAT Prep Works

1
Assess & Plan

We review your science background, target score, and test date — then map a session plan across all four DAT sections.

2
Learn & Practice

Sessions cover high-yield science content, PAT technique, reading strategy, and quantitative drills with real feedback.

3
Peak for Test Day

Final weeks focus on full-length timing, pacing, and confidence — so you sit for the DAT fully prepared.

What's on the DAT

The DAT is a computer-based exam administered by the American Dental Association. It has four sections covering science knowledge, spatial reasoning, reading, and quantitative skills.

Survey of the Natural Sciences

The largest section, combining three science areas into one timed survey.

  • Biology — cells, genetics, systems, ecology
  • General Chemistry — stoichiometry, equilibrium, acids & bases
  • Organic Chemistry — mechanisms, reactions, structure

Perceptual Ability Test

Measures 3D spatial reasoning rather than science content.

  • Keyhole, top-front-end, and cube-counting tasks
  • Angle ranking and paper folding
  • Rewards consistent, technique-driven practice

Reading Comprehension

Tests your ability to read and analyze dense, science-style passages.

  • Science-focused passages and detail questions
  • Strategy for locating evidence quickly
  • Pacing techniques for unfamiliar material

Quantitative Reasoning

Covers core math skills applied to problem solving.

  • Algebra and applied word problems
  • Geometry and quantitative comparison
  • Efficient, calculator-aware approaches

The DAT is developed and administered by the American Dental Association. For official test dates, registration, and scoring details, visit the ADA's DAT website. Most students test after completing their pre-dental science prerequisites.

Good to know
  • Computer-based at Prometric testing centers
  • Best taken after pre-dental prerequisites
  • Register in advance and plan dedicated study time

DAT Packages

Flexible 1-on-1 session packages for every section and schedule. All tutoring is 529 plan eligible.

Common Questions About DAT Prep

What is on the DAT?
The DAT has four sections: the Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), the Perceptual Ability Test, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. It's a computer-based exam administered by the American Dental Association. See the section breakdown above.
Does Foley Prep offer 1-on-1 DAT tutoring?
Yes. DAT prep is 1-on-1 with an expert tutor, in person at any of our 7 New Jersey locations or fully online. Every session is built around your strongest and weakest sections — contact us to get matched.
When should I start preparing for the DAT?
Most students prepare after completing their pre-dental science prerequisites, typically junior or senior year. Summer is a popular time to study because it allows for uninterrupted, focused preparation before application deadlines.
What makes the Perceptual Ability Test different?
The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) measures 3D spatial reasoning rather than science content — skills like angle ranking, paper folding, and object manipulation. It rewards consistent, technique-driven practice, which is a major focus of our 1-on-1 prep.
Is DAT tutoring eligible for 529 education savings plans?
Yes! All Foley Prep services, including DAT tutoring, are 529 plan eligible. We provide detailed receipts for easy reimbursement. Learn more on our 529 Plan page.
Also preparing for other graduate exams?
Thinking about medical school too? We also offer MCAT prep. Reach out and we'll help you build the right plan for your goals.