Canadian DAT vs American DAT (2026): Key Differences

If you are torn between taking the Canadian DAT or the American DAT, this article highlights the differences between the two. Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) is administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) while Dental Admission Test (DAT) is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). Both these tests are fully regulated by both parties.

The Similarities of Canadian and American DAT

Although they have their respective strengths and specialization, the Canadian and American DATs have common features.

• Exam Availability

The Canadian Dental Aptitude Test and the American Dental Admission Test are both administered at the testing centers of Professional Prometric in Canada and the United States. 

Both exams are offered year-round, subject to appointment availability and your eligibility window.

For the Canadian DAT specifically, registering opens a six-month eligibility period during which you must book and complete your Prometric appointment.

• Exam administration

Both are administered via computer or computer-based exams and the answers are recorded on the computer. Before the major change in 2022, the Canadian DAT is given via examination booklets and computer-based score sheets.

• Content of the Examination

For Reading Comprehension, Perceptual Ability, and General Chemistry, their exams cover the same content and have the same number of items. The content that is tested on both DATs includes General Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and of course Biology.

Moreover, the American and Canadian DAT Perceptual Ability tests are very similar. This is evident in the hole-punching section and Apertures. General Chemistry and Reading Comprehension are also pretty much the same.

• Exam Format

The English Canadian DAT has 210 questions (the French version has 160) while the American DAT has 280 questions. The Table below shows the differences in the presentation of questions:

Scroll sideways on mobile to see every column.

• Length of examination 

In terms of the number of minutes that the student takes the exam, for Canadian DAT the time allotted for the examination is 3 hours and 50 minutes, whereas for the American DAT is longer with a total of hours and 15 minutes.

• Scoring

The American DAT uses a 200–600 score scale in 10-point increments for tests taken from March 1, 2025. The Canadian DAT retains a 1–30 scale. Do not compare the raw numbers across these scales.

• Unscored Questions

American and Canadian tests contain unscored experimental questions. The purpose of these questions is to collect data, to make sure they are suitable before they can be considered as scored test items in future tests. Remember that in similar exams, the items which are not scored look exactly like scored questions, so there is no way to tell them apart.

The Differences Between Canadian and American DAT

The Canadian Exam and the American DAT are both standardized tests and dental school admissions, but they have remarkable differences. So, if you are planning to take one of these tests, it is important to understand what makes each one different, this way you can weigh your options. 

Having a decent understanding of their differences can have a major impact on your DAT score. For instance, if you are acquainted with techniques and strategies that are meant for American DAT, you’ll get a very low chance of acing the Canadian DAT.

• Acceptance

The American DAT is accepted by all US dental schools and selected Canadian schools. Canadian DAT acceptance in the US depends on the school. Check each program’s current requirements before registering.

As of recent admissions cycles, US dental schools reported to accept the Canadian DAT include University of Detroit Mercy, New York University, Boston University, Nova Southeastern University, Case Western Reserve University, Temple University, Howard University, Marquette University, Midwestern University, Touro College of Dental Medicine, Tufts University, University of Minnesota, University of Southern California, University of the Pacific, and Virginia Commonwealth University. School policies change, so confirm directly with each program before you register. Going the other direction, University of British Columbia and Western University have been reported to accept the American DAT from American applicants.

• Language

The Canadian DAT is offered in both French and English languages, while the American DAT is only offered in English language. The French Canadian DAT has no Reading Comprehension section.

• Format of the Exam

The Canadian DAT has fewer questions and takes less time to finish than the American DAT. The score scales also differ, so a higher-looking number does not by itself mean a stronger result. 

What does this mean to you? Prepare for the science subjects in the exam you choose: Biology and General Chemistry in Canada, with Organic Chemistry added in the US. Fewer sections do not automatically lower your score.

• Exam Content

The content that is tested on both the Canadian – American DATs is one of their main differences.

• Manual Dexterity Test

The Canadian DAT’s Manual Dexterity Test is currently suspended. The American DAT does not include a manual dexterity test. Check the CDA website for any future change before planning soap-carving practice.

• Biology

Both examinations include Biology, but you should check each official topic outline. The current American outline includes developmental mechanisms within Genetics; it is misleading to say that developmental biology was simply removed in 2022.

Additionally, certain additional subjects that are not included in the Canadian DAT have been introduced to the American DAT. In the category of diversity of life, these themes include viruses and archaebacteria; in the category of genetics, they are genomics, gene expression, and epigenetics.

Use the current ADA and CDA outlines to check the Biology topics you need to study.

• Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry is tested on the American DAT but not on the Canadian DAT. Dental-school course prerequisites are separate from exam content.

• Quantitative Reasoning

The Canadian DAT does not have the Quantitative Reasoning portion as a separate section.

• Score Report (Unofficial)

The American DAT no longer provides unofficial scores at the testing site, following the March 2025 scoring change. Canadian DAT candidates also wait for official results. Allow for score reporting when planning application deadlines.

• Level of Difficulty 

The American DAT is usually seen as a bit easier and more consistent than the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test. Especially for Biology, the Canadian DAT can use very confusing language. Also, there are many questions in this area that might be strange to you unless you studied Biology extensively. So, if Biology is not your strong suit, you will do better on the American DAT, which is clearer, and you can easily eliminate wrong answers.

• Applicability level

Acceptance is a school-by-school decision. Do not assume that either exam will meet every US or Canadian program’s requirements.

How to Choose Between the Two?

Choosing between the two examinations depends on your personal preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. You should consider the following factors when choosing between the American DAT and the Canadian DAT:

• Which exam is accepted by the dental schools you are applying to?
• Which exam covers the content areas that you are more comfortable with?
• Which exam format suits your test-taking style better?
• Which exam has a scoring system that favors your performance?
• Which exam has a test availability that fits your schedule better?

You should weigh the pros and cons of each exam and decide which one is best for you.

Bottom Line

Whether you take the Canadian or American DAT, ample preparation is the key. Start with the exams accepted by your target dental schools, then consider your strengths and test dates. I wish you the best of luck!