What Is the Minimum DAT Score for Dental School? 2025 Guide to DAT Cutoffs and Admission Chances
What Is the Minimum DAT Score for Dental School? 2025 Guide to DAT Cutoffs and Admission Chances
If you're applying to dental school, your Dental Admission Test (DAT) score is one of the most important pieces of your application. While dental schools don’t always list hard cutoffs, there’s a clear minimum DAT score range below which admission becomes very unlikely. This guide explains what the true minimum scores are for 2025 applicants, how different schools evaluate them, and what to do if your DAT is on the lower end.
What Is the Lowest DAT Score You Can Get Accepted With?
While the DAT is scored from 1 to 30, the realistic minimum DAT score to be considered by U.S. dental schools is 17 on the Academic Average (AA) section.
Anything below 17 is typically considered non-competitive, unless you are applying to extremely rare programs that emphasize holistic review and you have an extraordinary background.
DAT Score Tiers and Competitiveness:
DAT Academic Average (AA)CompetitivenessWhat It Means for You15–16Very LowUnlikely to receive interviews at any U.S. dental school17–18BorderlineMay be considered with a high GPA and strong clinical experience19–20National AverageAcceptable for mid-tier programs21–22CompetitiveSolid for most dental schools23–25+Highly CompetitiveStrong candidate for top-tier programs
Section-by-Section Minimum Recommendations:
To avoid red flags, it’s not enough to just meet the minimum Academic Average. You should also avoid very low scores in any individual section:
DAT SectionMinimum Recommended ScoreAcademic Average (AA)17Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)17–18Biology17General Chemistry17Organic Chemistry17Reading Comprehension17Quantitative Reasoning16–17
Even one score below 16 can cause admissions committees to question your readiness for the academic demands of dental school.
Schools with Lower DAT Thresholds (Generally Accepting 17–18 Scores):
Midwestern University (AZ and IL campuses)
LECOM School of Dental Medicine
University of New England College of Dental Medicine
AT Still University – Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Roseman University of Health Sciences (NV)
These schools may review applications with slightly lower scores if the rest of the application (GPA, experience, personal statement) is strong. However, they still prefer scores closer to 19–20.
Can You Get into Dental School with a DAT Score Below 17?
While it’s technically possible, it is extremely rare. A DAT score below 17 will almost always require:
A very high GPA (3.8+)
Post-baccalaureate or master's level coursework
A strong upward academic trend
Over 200 hours of clinical shadowing
A compelling personal story or unique background
In most cases, it is strongly recommended to retake the DAT and aim for a score of 19 or higher if your current score is under 17.
How to Improve Your DAT Score if You’re Below the Minimum:
Commit to a 3-Month Study Plan
Use high-yield resources like DAT Bootcamp, DAT Destroyer, and Kaplan practice exams.Focus on Weak Areas
Identify specific subjects (e.g., organic chemistry, perceptual ability) where you scored under 17 and drill them daily.Simulate Testing Conditions
Practice full-length exams under timed conditions to build stamina and test-day accuracy.Consider a Tutor or Study Group
If you’ve already taken the DAT once, working with a coach may help break through plateaus.
Conclusion: What DAT Score Should You Really Aim For?
While the minimum DAT score for dental school is around 17, you should realistically aim for a score of 19–21 to be considered competitive at most U.S. dental schools. For top-tier programs, you’ll need 22–24+.
If you’re below that threshold now, don’t panic—but do make a plan. Improving your DAT score by even 2–3 points can open up significantly more opportunities.
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