Getting accepted into dental school is more competitive than ever. Strong grades and test scores are essential, but admissions committees also look for well-rounded students who demonstrate maturity, commitment, and leadership. As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child prepare not only academically but also personally and professionally.

If your son or daughter is preparing for dental school, you may have heard that the Dental Admission Test (DAT) has made major changes to its scoring system in 2025. For parents, this shift can feel confusing—how will schools interpret the new scores, and what does it mean for your child’s chances of acceptance?

For pre-dental students, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is one of the most important steps in the dental school application process. A high score can open doors to more interviews, stronger acceptance odds, and even scholarships. But preparing for the DAT is no small task—it requires hundreds of hours of studying, careful strategy, and consistent practice.

Applying to dental school is an exciting but challenging journey. For many students, this process can feel overwhelming—balancing coursework, preparing for the DAT, securing shadowing hours, and writing strong application essays. Parents play a powerful role in helping their child stay motivated, organized, and confident throughout the journey. If your son or daughter is a pre-dental student, here are practical ways you can support them during the dental school application process.

The Truth About Flashcards and How to Use Them for Real DAT Gains

When it comes to studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), flashcards are one of the most popular tools pre-dental students turn to. But are they actually effective? Or are you just shuffling digital decks while feeling productive?

Applying to dental school through AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) can feel like a full-time job. Between collecting transcripts, requesting letters of recommendation, writing your personal statement, and entering hours of coursework and experiences, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hold your application back.

Organic Chemistry is one of the most intimidating subjects on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). It’s memorization-heavy, concept-driven, and packed with reaction mechanisms and tricky traps. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to memorize every reaction—you need to study strategically.

When it comes to the Biology section of the DAT, many students feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content. From cellular respiration to taxonomy, there's a lot to cover—and only so much time. The good news? You don’t need to memorize everything. With the right study hacks, you can maximize retention, reduce burnout, and walk into test day with confidence.

Struggling to retain formulas or apply concepts on DAT General Chemistry practice questions? You’re not alone. General Chemistry on the DAT requires more than rote memorization—it demands conceptual understanding, pattern recognition, and strategic study techniques that help you solve problems faster and more confidently.

Stand Out From the Crowd and Make a Memorable Impression

Applying to dental school is more competitive than ever. Beyond strong DAT scores and GPA, successful applicants are those who take the initiative to build relationships with dental schools before they even apply. Why? Because networking with admissions teams, faculty, and current students gives you insider insight, shows your genuine interest, and can help your name stand out when applications are reviewed.

Studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) can feel like an isolating journey—but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most overlooked yet game-changing strategies for DAT success is incorporating accountability through study partnerships, groups, or tutoring. When you study with others, you're not just sharing flashcards—you’re sharing motivation, insight, and momentum.

When it comes to mastering the massive content load of the Dental Admission Test (DAT), active recall and spaced repetition are key—and nothing does that better than Anki. Whether you're reviewing biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, or PAT strategies, the right Anki deck can cut down your study time and lock in long-term retention.

Asking for letters of recommendation for dental school can feel awkward—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, a well-written, personalized letter from the right person can make or break your application. Dental schools use these letters to gauge not just your academic ability, but your character, professionalism, and readiness for the rigors of a DDS or DMD program.

The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) is one of the most intimidating sections of the DAT. With its abstract visuals, strict time limits, and no calculator or notes allowed, it’s no surprise that many students feel stuck or overwhelmed.

But here’s the truth: You can raise your PAT score significantly—and faster than you think.

Whether you're just starting your DAT journey or trying to push your score from good to great, working with a tutor can be one of the most powerful tools in your prep arsenal. But simply showing up to your tutoring sessions isn’t enough—you need to make the most of them.

When it comes to applying to dental school, one of the most overlooked (but incredibly important) steps is choosing the right schools to apply to. With over 70 dental schools in the U.S. and Canada, building your application list isn’t just about prestige—it's about strategy, fit, and maximizing your chances of acceptance.

Let’s face it—being a pre-dental student is practically a full-time job. Between challenging science courses, extracurriculars, DAT prep, and volunteering or shadowing, your schedule is packed. But the truth is, time management is one of the most important skills you’ll need—not just for getting into dental school, but for thriving once you’re there.

Studying for the DAT is tough enough on its own—but add in a full course load, a part-time job, volunteering, and maybe even a social life? It can feel downright impossible.

The good news: You don’t have to sacrifice everything to succeed on the DAT.

Choosing the right kind of DAT prep can make or break your score—and your confidence. If you’ve narrowed it down to tutoring, the next big decision is:
Should you go with individual tutoring or join a group session?

Speed is everything on the DAT.

You can know every mechanism in organic chemistry and master every angle on the PAT—but if you can’t finish on time, it won’t matter. The pressure of the clock trips up even the most well-prepared students. That’s why at Dental School Declassified, we coach our students not just for accuracy—but for speed and strategy.