Best Study Resources for the DAT (Dental Admission Test)

Sep 13

Written By DSD .

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is one of the most important milestones on the path to dental school. Scoring well can make a huge difference in the competitiveness of your application, which is why choosing the best DAT study resources is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top DAT prep materials—from online courses and practice tests to free resources—so you can build a study plan that works for you.

1. DAT Prep Books

For students who like traditional learning tools, prep books are a great foundation.

Kaplan DAT Prep Plus – Known for its comprehensive review of every DAT section, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
Barron’s DAT – A more concise option with solid practice questions.
DAT Destroyer by Dr. Romano – Extremely popular for science-heavy practice problems and detailed explanations.

👉 Best for: Students who like a structured, textbook-style review and plenty of practice problems.

2. Online DAT Courses

For those who prefer interactive and flexible study, online courses can provide structure, accountability, and expert instruction.

Bootcamp – Highly regarded in the pre-dental community for realistic practice tests, detailed video explanations, and an excellent PAT generator.
DAT Booster – A newer but rapidly growing platform, known for user-friendly explanations, strong biology notes, and affordability.
Princeton Review DAT Course – A structured program with live or self-paced classes, best for students who want extra guidance.

👉 Best for: Students who want structured schedules, video explanations, and real-time practice tools.

3. Full-Length DAT Practice Tests

One of the biggest factors in DAT success is taking timed practice tests that simulate the real exam.

DAT Bootcamp & DAT Booster both include several full-length exams that closely match the actual test format.
Kaplan DAT Practice Tests can be purchased separately if you want additional test-day practice.

👉 Pro Tip: Start full-length tests about 6–8 weeks before your exam to build endurance and identify weak spots.

4. Flashcards & Memory Tools

Memorization plays a huge role in subjects like biology and organic chemistry.

Anki (free) – A spaced-repetition flashcard system perfect for long-term retention.
DAT Bootcamp & Booster Flashcards – Pre-made sets aligned to the DAT curriculum.

👉 Best for: Quick review sessions and reinforcing difficult material.

5. Free DAT Resources

If you’re on a budget or just want to supplement your prep, there are high-quality free tools out there.

ADA DAT Guide – The American Dental Association provides the official DAT Candidate Guide and sample test.
YouTube Channels – Many science educators and DAT coaches share free tutorials on key topics.
Reddit (r/predental, r/DAT) – Forums where students share study schedules, tips, and resource reviews.

👉 Best for: Supplementing paid resources and staying up to date with DAT trends.

6. Tutoring and One-on-One Help

Sometimes, even the best resources aren’t enough without personalized guidance. Many students benefit from working with a DAT tutor who can:

Identify weaknesses and tailor study plans.
Teach test-taking strategies for tricky sections like PAT and QR.
Keep students accountable and on track.

👉 Best for: Students who want personalized support and faster results.

Final Thoughts

The best DAT study resources depend on your learning style, timeline, and budget. Many successful students combine a core online program (like DAT Bootcamp or Booster) with DAT Destroyer for sciences and Anki flashcards for memorization. Adding practice tests and tutoring can take your prep to the next level.

At Dental School Declassified, our tutors—licensed dentists who scored in the 98th percentile or higher—help students create customized DAT study plans and offer one-on-one tutoring to maximize success. With the right strategy and resources, you can walk into test day feeling confident and prepared.

DSD .