The DAT costs $540
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) costs $540 for US students. All US and Canadian dental schools require it. The test takes 5 hours and 15 minutes and is given all year at Prometric test centers. Partial fee waivers cover half the fee, but all 2026 waivers have been given out. New waivers open on January 1, 2027.
DAT fee and rules
| DAT exam fee (US) | $540 |
|---|---|
| Partial fee waiver | Covers 50% of the fee |
| 2026 waivers | All given out |
| Next waivers open | January 1, 2027 |
| Wait between attempts | 60 days |
| Most attempts in 12 months | 4 |
| Reschedule or cancel | Extra fee, paid to the test center company |
| DAT with a partial fee waiver | $270 |
|---|---|
| Two DAT attempts | $1,080 |
Changes must be made at least one business day before your test. People with 3 or more attempts must ask permission to test again and show proof of a recent dental school application. Sources: ADA, Dental Admission Test (DAT); ADA, DAT fee waiver information.
What this price covers
The $540 covers one DAT sitting. It does not cover rescheduling fees, which are paid to the test center company.
What changes your price
- Fee waiver. Eligible test takers can get 50% off.
- Retakes. Each attempt costs the full fee.
- Changes. Rescheduling or canceling adds a fee.
Ways to pay less
- If you need a fee waiver, apply right after January 1, 2027. They run out.
- Pick a date you can keep to avoid change fees.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the group that runs the test or sets the fee, taken from its own website. Where we show a total, we only add up that group's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and we do not use prices from test prep blogs. Fees can change, so check the official page before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does the DAT cost?
$540.
Is there a DAT fee waiver?
Yes, for 50% off, but 2026 waivers are gone. New ones open January 1, 2027.
How often can I take the DAT?
Up to 4 times in 12 months, with 60 days between attempts.