Short Answer: DAT Is Now 200–600
Since March 1, 2025, the ADA reports DAT scores on a 3-digit scale from 200 to 600 in 10-point increments (200, 210, 220… 600). The old 1–30 scale is no longer how new exams are scored.
Quick conversion most students need (Academic Average):
| Old AA (1–30) | Approx. new AA (200–600) | Rough meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 370 | Near national average |
| 18 | 390 | Common school floor language |
| 19 | 410 | Solid / workable |
| 20 | 420 | Competitive target for many applicants |
| 21 | 440 | Strong |
| 22 | 460 | Highly competitive |
| 23 | 470 | Top-tier range |
These come from the ADA DAT Concordance Table (approximate equivalents — always verify on ADA DAT materials). AADSAS now receives all official scores on the 3-digit scale, including older attempts that are psychometrically converted.
For school-by-school targets and strategy, still use our average DAT score guide — but read scores in 200–600 terms going forward.
What Changed on March 1, 2025?
| Topic | Before | Now (Mar 1, 2025+) |
|---|---|---|
| Score range | 1–30 (2-digit) | 200–600 (3-digit), 10-point steps |
| Unofficial scores at test center | Often available | No — unofficial site scores discontinued |
| AADSAS reporting | Old scale historically | All scores reported as 200–600 |
| Old scores still “valid”? | — | Yes — 2-digit results remain valid; Hub can still show original 2-digit for pre–Mar 2025 attempts |
Why the change? The ADA frames it as a psychometric upgrade: more precise skill estimates for admissions. For you as an applicant, the practical effect is: stop comparing Reddit “I got a 22” posts to your 460 without converting.
Sections and Composites (Same Structure, New Numbers)
You still get section scores plus composites:
| Report | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Biology, Gen Chem, Orgo | Individual science sections |
| PAT | Perceptual Ability (standalone) |
| RC | Reading Comprehension |
| QR | Quantitative Reasoning |
| AA (Academic Average) | Average of BIO, GC, OC, RC, QR |
| TS / SNS | Science composite (Survey of Natural Sciences / Total Science framing) |
Content and timing of the exam did not suddenly become a different test — the reporting scale did. Prep still means science mastery + PAT practice + timing.
Old 1–30 → New 200–600 Concordance (AA Focus)
Use this when a school, advisor, or older article still says “20+ AA”:
| Old AA | New AA (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 15 | 330 |
| 16 | 350 |
| 17 | 370 |
| 18 | 390 |
| 19 | 410 |
| 20 | 420 |
| 21 | 440 |
| 22 | 460 |
| 23 | 470 |
| 24 | 490 |
| 25 | 510 |
Example (from ADA FAQ logic): an old Biology 18 ≈ new Biology 390. If your retake shows Biology 420, you improved.
Section tip: concordance is section-specific. PAT 20 ≈ 430 PAT on the new scale; RC conversions differ from AA. When in doubt, open the official concordance PDF rather than averaging by feel.
What Is a “Good” DAT Score on the 200–600 Scale?
Think in percentiles and school lists, not magic numbers.
| New AA (approx.) | Old AA (approx.) | How applicants usually use it |
|---|---|---|
| ~370 | ~17 | Near average — need strong GPA/experiences or a retake plan |
| ~390–410 | ~18–19 | Viable at many programs with strong rest of app |
| ~420–440 | ~20–21 | Default competitive target for most school lists |
| ~460+ | ~22+ | Strong for selective programs |
Percentile ranks are published by the ADA for the 3-digit scale (national normative sample). Roughly: AA 420 sits in a strong band; AA 460 is elite territory. Treat school entering-class profiles as the source of truth for your cycle.
If you are deciding whether to retake, read Should I retake the DAT? with new-scale numbers in mind.
Retakes, AADSAS, and Mixed Old/New Scores
- 90-day wait and attempt limits still apply — plan retakes into your application timeline.
- You may self-report both formats in places that still show history; official AADSAS delivery is on the 3-digit scale.
- Comparing attempt 1 (old) to attempt 2 (new): convert attempt 1 with the concordance table first, then compare.
FAQ
Is the DAT still scored 1–30? No for exams on/after March 1, 2025. New reporting is 200–600. Older Hub records may still show 2-digit history.
What is a 20 DAT in the new scale? Academic Average 20 ≈ 420 on the ADA concordance table.
Do dental schools understand both scales? Yes. AADSAS receives 3-digit scores for everyone; schools use concordance when comparing historical class data.
Are unofficial scores still given at the testing center? No — not under the new scoring model (as of March 1, 2025).
Where do I verify conversions? ADA DAT concordance / scoring update pages (search ADA.org DAT Concordance Table). Numbers above are approximations for planning, not a substitute for the official table.
Next Step
Translate your practice scores into 200–600, set a realistic AA target for your school list, then build a section plan (often PAT or Orgo).
Want a score target and retake calendar for Fall 2027 entry? Schedule a free call.
Written By
Dr. Alexander Takshyn
DMD, Admissions Consultant & Founder