Everything you need to know about Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT).
AboutInternationally trained Dentists interested in applying to advance dental education or post-graduate training programs in USA and Canada, need to take Advance Dental Admission Test (ADAT). ADAT along with other selection criteria helps you to secure admission into more than 400 advanced dental programs across American and Canadian dental schools. Recently from the 2021 University of Toronto and McGill University started accepting ADAT result for admission to their International Dentists Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) and DMD Advanced Sanding for Foreign-Trained Dentist pathway respectively instead of Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK).
ADAT is governed by American Dental Association’s (ADA) Council on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL) and administered by Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) across USA and Canada only. Pearson VUE is the deliverer of computer-based tests. ADAT test assesses an applicant’s relative potential in success of various advance dental programs. The duration of the test is 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Who should take ADAT?ADAT is a test of choice for – a. Dental students in their final year interested in specialty programs in USA and Canada, b. Practicing dentists in USA and Canada interested in specialty programs, c. Internationally trained dentists (Apart from USA and Canada) applying to advanced dental education programs like Degree completion programs in the University of Toronto and McGill University.
StructureADAT consists of three sections 1. Biomedical Sciences (80 items) – anatomic sciences (20 items), biochemistry and physiology (20 items), microbiology and pathology (20 items), dental anatomy, and occlusion (20 items). 2. Clinical sciences (80 stand alone and Case-based items) include endodontics, operative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, oral diagnosis, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, pharmacology, principles of ethics, and patient management. 3. Data, Research interpretation, and Evidence-based dentistry (40 items).
Eligibility and RegistrationCandidates from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited programs and non-accredited programs can be eligible to take ADAT. Before registering for ADAT candidates need to have their DENTPIN.
DENTPINDENTal Personal Identifier Number (DENTPIN) helps protect your personal identification number like Social Security Number (USA) and Canada Social Insurance Number (SIN) by replacing it with unique eight-digit number. Apart from ADAT, candidates can use DENTPIN number to apply for various American Dental Association (ADA) examinations like the Dental Admission Test (DAT), Admission Test for Dental Hygienists (ATDH), National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), National Board Dental Examination (NBDE II), Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and DLOSCE. Please note while registering for DENTPIN you must enter your name exactly mentioned in your official IDs and educational credentials. You can use link to register for DENTPIN.
Dental students from CODA and CDAC Accredited Dental Schools The dean of the school should confirm that the student is in good standing and is in process of actively applying to the advance dental education program.
Dental Students from Non-accredited Dental Schools Dental students who are studying in non-accredited dental schools need to submit a Certification of Eligibility Form (not for graduated dentists). The form should be signed by the Dean or Registrar of the university where they are studying. Dental students and Dentists who have obtained degree from non-accredited schools need to verify their educational credentials (transcripts) by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE). Candidates should request ECE to send the report directly to ADAT program.
Practicing Dentists Graduated from CODA and CDAC Accredited Dental Schools Dentist who has graduated from CODA or CDAC accredited dental schools should submit verification that he or she is a Dentist. This verification should be in the form of a Letter of Recommendation from one of the following:
- The secretary of a board of dentistry of a United States licensing jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed or eligible for licensure as a dentist.
- The dean or registrar of an accredited dental school from which the dentist graduated.
- The dean, director, or registrar of a CODA-accredited advanced dental education program in which the dentist studied or is studying at the postgraduate level.
- The dean of an accredited advanced dental education program to which the dentist is applying for admission with advanced standing.
The letter must state the name of the school that granted the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, the exact degree granted, and when it was granted.
ADAT Administration ScheduleThe ADAT is available for administration during a fixed period each calendar year from March 1 through August 31. The total time duration of the examination is 4 hours and 30 seconds. The break-up of the time is as follows:
ADAT Schedule
| Tutorial | 15 Minutes |
| Biomedical Science (80 Items) | 95 Minutes |
| Break (Optional) | 10 Minutes |
| Clinical Science (80 Items) | 90 Minutes |
| Break (Optional) | 10 Minutes |
| Data, Research Interpretation, and Evidence-Based Dentistry (40 items) | 45 Minutes |
| Post Test Survey (optional) | 5 Minutes |
| Total Time | 4 Hours 30 Minutes |
ADAT Fees StructureAll amounts are in US dollars for the year 2022.
| Fees Type | Description | Amount |
| ADAT Fees | This fee includes administration and official score reporting to all dental hygiene schools and programs selected at the time of application. | $400 |
| Score Report Fee (optional) | This fee covers score report requests made after the time of application. There is no additional charge for score report requests received at the time of application. | $50 per report |
| Fee for Candidates of Non-accredited Dental Schools | Candidates who are students or graduates of dental schools not accredited by CODA must pay this processing fee. | $300 |
| Score Audit Fee | For a period of 30 days after a testing appointment, as an optional service, the ADAT Program is willing to audit a candidate’s ADAT results to confirm their accuracy. | $65 |
| Rescheduling Fee | Candidates can reschedule testing appointments for a fee if notice is received at least one full business day (24 hours) before the appointment and within the authorized eligibility period. | $25 |
| Eligibility Extension Fee | Candidates can extend their eligibility period for a fee. The extension is for 45 days within the designated testing window and is available once per application. | $125 |
Once candidates have obtained DENTPIN they can submit an application at the program examination website. A new application must be submitted before each testing attempt.
