Tips on Preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) ADEA Predental Student Virtual Fair April 29 - 30, 2014 Dr. Kathleen J. Hinshaw Sr. Manager, Test Administration Department of Testing Services
Dr. Kathleen J. HinshawSr. Manager, Test AdministrationDepartment of Testing Services
DAT Program PurposeDAT program in operation (nationally) since 1950. Detailed history in User’s Manual: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/dat_users_manual.ashx.
Purpose: Designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.
Foundation upon which the test is built; drives the:• Test content• Administration policies and procedures• Scoring, Reporting, and Interpretation of Scores
Validity studies show that test scores (in conjunction with academic records) are useful in predicting performance in dental school.
All dental schools require examinees to participate in the DAT Program, but test results are only one consideration in evaluating examinee admission potential.
DAT Program Operating Principles Set/maintain standards for profession.
Valid, reliable, and credible test.
Complies with Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing; incorporates industry best practices.
Cost effective.
Uphold security and protection of content/intellectualproperty.
Examinees given reasonable opportunity to demonstrate ability/achievement. Opportunity is fair and equitable.
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Testing Format
Computer-based, administered by Prometric at test centers in the United States and territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands).
DAT Testing ScheduleOptional Tutorial 15 minutesSurvey of Natural Sciences 90 minutesPerceptual Ability Test 60 minutesOptional Break 15 minutesReading Comprehension Test 60 minutesQuantitative Reasoning Test 45 minutesOptional Post Test Survey 15 minutesTotal time 5 hours
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Test Content
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DAT Guide (page 5) contains detailed Test Specifications.
Changes to Test ContentCritical Thinking Skills
In order to enhance testing of critical thinking skills, the Quantitative Reasoning Test (QRT) specifications have been revised to eliminate the sections for numerical calculations, conversions, geometry, and trigonometry. Items will be added in the following areas: data analysis, interpretation, and sufficiency; quantitative comparison; and probability and statistics. These changes will be implemented no sooner than 2015.
BiologyBiology survey courses have shifted to a systems approach (i.e., focusing on complex interactions within biological systems). Biology test specifications are being adjusted accordingly in 2015.
Additional information posted on the website: www.ada.org/dat.aspx.
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There are two areas of the DAT that have some upcoming changes: critical thinking and biology. Please read these changes carefully and note the implementation dates. Please monitor the DAT website for the most current information.
Test Administration and Fees Electronic process; 6 month eligibility.
Monitor website for upcoming enhancements.
Administered nationwide at Prometric Test Centers, any business day.
Approximately 284 professional level testing centers in North America with 5,243 available seats.
Secure test environment. Biometric check-in. Video monitoring.
DAT(Includes unofficial personal report, official reporting to schools selected on application, and pre-health advisor report if selected)
$385
Additional score report (per entity)
$33
Audit Request $65
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The DAT application is an electronic process found on the DAT website. Once your application is processed you will have six months to schedule a testing appointment and take the test. If you do not schedule a testing appointment or take the test within this six month period you will forfeit your testing fee and you must submit a new application to test. Do not submit an application to take the test until you are ready to schedule a testing appointment. DTS processes applications daily on standard business days. Partial fee waivers are available in cases of severe financial hardship (see DAT guide for details). There is a limited number of fee waivers available. The 2014 fees are $385 (DAT includes unlimited score reports if requested at the time of application); $33 (each additional score report not requested at the time of application); $65 (audit request). During 2014, the application process will be enhanced. Please watch the DAT website for future updates. The DAT is administered nationwide at Prometric Test Centers, on any business day. There are approximately 284 professional level Prometric testing centers in North America with 5,243 available seats. Testing centers use biometric check-in procedures and administer tests in secure testing environments with video monitoring. Please see the Prometric website for “what to expect on test day”.
Testing ChecklistThis checklist is a summary of issues that create problems on testing day.
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Bring two original, current (not expired) IDs to testing center:
• 1 government issued ID with photograph and signature (driver license or passport)
• 1 ID with signature (social security card, credit card, debit card, library card)
Follow the instructions of the test administrator and the testing center rules.
• Store personal items in the testing center locker and not access during testing or unscheduled break.
• No cell phone use during testing or unscheduled break.
• Check pockets to ensure they are empty.
Name on IDs match name submitted on application exactly.
• Match: Joseph Anthony Smith and Joseph A. Smith
• Non-match: Joseph Anthony Smith and Joseph Smith-Johnson (hyphenated last names)
Problem with testing conditions; notify the test administrator immediately.
Concerns not resolved must be submitted in writing to DTS within 5 business days of testing appointment.
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This checklist is emailed to you when we complete the processing of your DAT application. Please read it carefully. This list identifies the issues that create problems for examinees on the day of testing. If you violate these policies you may be denied testing and will forfeit your testing fee. You will be required to submit a new application to test.
DAT Monthly Testing Volumes
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You might be wondering when is best time to take the DAT. This slide shows the monthly testing volumes over the last six years. Remember that after your application is processed you have six months to schedule a testing appointment and take the test. Please note that June through September are the busiest months for DAT testing. Also note that you are scheduling with Prometric and they service hundreds of testing programs.
Testing Accommodations
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Accommodations are granted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act upon submission of the following:
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The DAT Program provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a person with a disability as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. English as a second language, slow reading without an identified underlying cognitive deficit, or failure to achieve a desired outcome are not considered learning disabilities and are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Testing accommodations are offered to those with a qualified disability in order to offer equal access to testing. Examinees must request testing accommodations with each application, but will not be required to submit additional documentation for the same disability/condition with subsequent retests. The DAT Program requires a complete evaluation of the examinee, as well as a completed and a signed Testing Accommodation Request Form. A licensed professional appropriately qualified for evaluating the disability must conduct the evaluation. If you have a documented disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require testing accommodations, you must submit the documents listed in the box. Further details can be found in the DAT Guide, pages 17-19.
Testing Accommodation Volume (data is inclusive of 4 out of 5 testing programs)
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Score Reports/Scoring
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Score Reports ScoringUnofficial score report provided upon completion of test at test center.
Based on the number of correct answers provided by the examinee.
Number of correct answers (raw scores) converted to scale scores. Equating process adjusts for differences in difficulty among test forms and permits comparison of scores over time.
Administrations are monitored for irregularities. Penalties are implemented for misconduct and cheating. (see the DAT Guide, Testing Irregularities and Appeals)
DAT Committee reviews examinee performance to understand trends and potential changes.
Audit procedures conducted and official scores reported (electronically) 3 to 4 weeks after testing appointment.
Detailed score analysis provided in DAT User’s Manual. (see “Resources” on Website)
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Upon completion of your testing appointment, you will receive an unofficial score report at the Prometric Test Center. In the unofficial score report, scale scores are reported. This report is your personal copy, no other score report will be sent to you. Please note that once you have taken the test your scores cannot be voided at your request (DAT Program policy). If you do not receive your unofficial score report after completing the DAT, please notify the DAT Program within five days via [email protected]. Your personal copy of the score report issued by the Prometric Test Center is an “unofficial” report and is subject to audit as part of the DAT quality review process. Falsification of score reports or misrepresentation of a score report may result in cancellation of your scores and a two-year wait to retest. All U.S. dental schools require official DAT scores. Official scores are reported electronically (within 3-4 weeks of your test date) to the dental schools you select on your DAT application. Your eligibility email is your record of which schools you requested score reports be sent. When you select dental schools to receive your official scores, you grant the DAT Program permission to release your official scores to the dental schools you selected on your DAT application. Scores will not be released without your authorization. If you repeat the test, the results of the four most recent testing attempts are reported. Please confer with your pre-dental advisor regarding test results. You can request that a score report be sent to your pre-dental advisor at no charge at the time of application. Scores are mailed to the pre-dental advisor (in periodic reports) if indicated on your application. Additionally, when you select dental schools on your DAT application that participate in a standardized application service (ADEA AADSAS or TMDSAS), the DAT Program will report your official scores to the schools and to the application services. If your DAT application has no dental schools selected, then you have not granted permission to the DAT Program to release your official scores. Thus, your official scores will not be forwarded to schools or application services. Schools selected at the time of application are included in the DAT fee, regardless of the number of schools selected. Requests for additional score reports are submitted using the score report request form available at www.ada.org. There is an additional fee to do so (see the Testing Fees section of DAT Guide). Score report fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We suggest you send official scores to each of the dental schools you are considering even if you have not yet completed your application to these schools.
Retesting
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90-day wait required between retests.Three or more testing attempts, must apply for permission to retest and provide evidence of intent to apply to dental school. Acceptable evidence includes:
• ADEA AADSAS application or• Rejection letter from a dental school or• Letter from dental school admission officer/pre-
health advisor.
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You must submit a new application and fee for each retest. You must wait at least 90 days from your last attempt, before retaking the DAT. You may submit a new application, and after receipt of your eligibility email (wait 24 hours) visit www.Prometric.com, or 800.688.5804 to schedule an appointment. If you have three or more DAT attempts you must apply for permission to test again, and from that point forward may retest only once per twelve-month period. A testing attempt occurs each time you are seated at a computer workstation at a Prometric Test Center and start the test by electronically agreeing to the confidentiality statement. Requests for additional testing beyond the first three attempts must be submitted in to [email protected] and must include evidence of current (within the previous 18 months) intent to apply to dental school. Please submit your documents as a single attachment. Acceptable forms of evidence include the following (you need submit only one): Copy of a completed and submitted ADEA AADSAS application Letter of rejection from a dental school Letter on school letterhead from a dental school admissions officer encouraging you to retest Letter on school letterhead from a college/university health profession advisor/instructor verifying that you are applying to dental school The results of your four most recent DAT administrations, as well as the total number of attempts, are reported on official score reports.
Reschedule Policy
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To improve rescheduling process and permit last minute rescheduling, the following reschedule policy has been adopted.
Contact Prometric directly and pay a fee directly to Prometric.
Contractual agreements require DTS payment for no-show appointments.
Fee Schedule (Saturday and Sunday are NOT business days)
$100the day before to 5 business days prior to the testing appointment
$606 to 30 business days prior to the testing appointment
$2531+ business days prior to the testing appointment
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If you wish to reschedule or cancel your testing appointment, you must contact Prometric in advance of the testing appointment and pay a fee directly to Prometric. Additional fees apply (see Testing Fees section of DAT Guide). Appointments can be rescheduled by calling 800.688.5804 or www.prometric.com. The local test center cannot schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment. If you do not appear for your scheduled testing appointment and you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment in advance of the test date, you will forfeit all testing fees. You will be required to submit a new application and pay the fee to schedule a new appointment. If an emergency on the day of the testing appointment prevents you from testing, you may submit a written request for relief to the DAT Program. Please include applicable documentation and send to [email protected] within five business days of the appointment. Examples of emergencies and applicable documentation include, but are not limited to, the following: • Sudden illness on the test day: doctor’s note or hospital records confirming that you were treated on the day of the test • Death in the family on the test day: copy of obituary, prayer card/program from funeral service, or death certificate confirming that the relative passed away on the day of the test Testing appointments affected by emergencies occurring prior to the day of the actual testing appointment should be handled through the rescheduling and cancellation process.
Reschedule and No Show Volume 2013
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Total: Rescheduled appointments 7,142 No show appointments 735
Examinee Satisfaction Survey
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Survey Results: PrometricN Very
SatisfiedSatisfied Dissatisfied
Appointment date 1334 45.8 49.6 4.6
Promptness in seating them 1327 68.3 29.1 2.6
Helpfulness of test center staff 1320 69.6 28.7 1.7
Performance of testing system 1312 38.6 50.2 11.2
Test center total testing environment 1311 52.2 44.6 3.2
Total experience of taking DAT 1305 44.6 51.9 3.5
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This slide shows you the results of the post-test survey (first three quarters of 2013) administered at the end of the DAT. 96.5% of DAT examinees are very satisfied or satisfied with their total testing experience.
DAT Resources
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What? Where?Counsel with your Pre-health Advisor
Your academic institution and review admission requirements for proposed dental school.
What to Expect on Test Day https://www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/Prepare-for-Test-Day/Pages/what-to-expect.aspx
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This slide identifies the many resources available to you in your preparation to take the DAT. Please take time to carefully review each link. There is an immense volume of information available to you. Remember to get your information directly from the source and not Internet chat rooms, blogs, or other entities outside your academic institution or the American Dental Association. Pre-health Advisor Your pre-health advisor can assist you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses and direct you in your course schedule and study plan for taking the DAT. There are no shortcuts to the process of learning. You cannot bypass the extensive process of absorbing basic information through class participation and months of study. The DAT Program does not endorse any test preparation courses and has no data on the content or efficacy of test preparation courses designed to prepare you to take the DAT. The DAT Program urges you to carefully review the course materials to ensure that they reflect the current content of the DAT. DAT Guide This document contains all the current policies regarding the DAT including an outline of the test. Take time to thoroughly review this document, it will answer most of your questions. DAT FAQs This provides answers to the most frequently asked questions. DAT Checklist This identifies the issues that cause problems for examinees on the day of testing. These problems will cause you to be denied testing. Please read carefully. DAT Application instructions Testing Accommodations This provides instructions if you are seeking to test with testing accommodations. Tutorial A tutorial to familiarize you with the mechanics of taking the DAT is available on the DAT website. The tutorial includes sample DAT items, and provides the opportunity to become familiar with the basic steps involved in proceeding through the test. At the Prometric Test Center, you will also have an opportunity to take a brief, optional tutorial before beginning the actual test. Resources on DAT website This link reveals newsletters, meeting presentations, reference texts, etc. Practice Test The DAT program offers a computer-based and paper-based DAT practice test to help you prepare. The questions on the practice test previously appeared on the actual test, but have been retired from the main testing program. The computer-based DAT practice test is timed and reflects the actual DAT testing time. After completing the computer-based practice test you will receive a report indicating the number of questions that you answered correctly. The paper-based test is the same as the computer-based test just in paper form. To purchase either the computer-based or paper-based DAT practice test, visit the link. Prometric FAQs, Test Drive, and What to Expect on Test Day There are addition resources on the Prometric website such as the Prometric Test Drive. In a 30 minute appointment, you will experience the following activities: • The scheduling and registration process • The complete check-in process • Introduction to test center staff and surroundings • A live, 15-minute sample test (generic test, not DAT) demonstrating the testing process • Full preparation for the real test Visit the link for further details and pricing. Unreleased Test Materials Unreleased test materials represent confidential test material. Obtaining, using, and/or distributing unreleased test items is strictly prohibited regardless of the method employed (i.e., whether by memorization, recording, copying, etc.). Use or sharing of unreleased test materials violates the Rules of Conduct and Testing Regulations. Such activities may provide unfair advantage to individuals and threaten the validity and credibility of the test. Since all tests are copyrighted property of the American Dental Association, these prohibited activities also violate Federal copyright laws. The American Dental Association investigates reports or allegations associated with the generation, use, or sharing of unreleased test materials, and will pursue formal action against anyone who violates Test Regulations or Federal Copyright Law.
http://www.ada.org/dat.aspxPlease note: updates to the website are scheduled for March/April. The appearance may be different at the time of this presentation.
Step 1: Read the DAT GuideStep 2: Obtain a DENTPIN® and Apply to take the Test Step 3: Schedule a Time to Take the Test Step 4: Take the Test at a Prometric Test CenterStep 5: Score Reports
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This slide further highlights some of those DAT resources. This is the DAT home page. Please take time to review each of the steps and the links embedded within this page. It will guide you step by step through the application and testing process.
The DAT Guide is your most valuable and accurate resource in preparing to take the DAT. This document contains the information as reported directly by the American Dental Association, not fellow classmates, nor a review course instructor, nor “Student Doctor Network”, but directly from the organization that creates and administers the test.
This page of the website is often overlooked, but has numerous valuable resources. Newsletters, meeting presentations, Validity Study, User’s Manual, and Examinee Information, Reference Texts, etc.
Kathleen J. Hinshaw, L.D.H., Ed.D.Senior Manager, Test Administration
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I will be available to answer your questions from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EST) in the Presenter Q & A Chat Room. You may also call 800-232-1694 or send an email to [email protected] to speak to a member of our team.
