Is 22 DAT competitive?

Is a 22 on the DAT Considered Competitive?

If you're aiming for dental school, you've probably asked yourself: Is a 22 on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) competitive? The short answer is yes—very much so.

The DAT is scored on a scale where the average score lands between 17 and 18. This means that scoring a 22 doesn't just put you above average—it places you in the top tier of test-takers. A score in the 20–21 range is generally considered strong, but once you hit 22 and beyond, you're in what many admissions committees classify as a very high range.

It's important to remember that your raw score—the number of correctly answered questions per section—directly influences your scaled score. While each section is scored individually, the Academic Average (AA) score, which combines your results from the science and reasoning sections, is what most schools focus on. A 22 AA means you've demonstrated consistent strength across biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.

Dental schools use the DAT as a key metric to compare applicants, especially in the early stages of screening. With that in mind, a 22 makes your application stand out, giving you a solid foundation to build on with your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal statement.

Of course, no score exists in a vacuum. Some programs may place more emphasis on certain sections, like the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), especially if you're applying to schools with a strong focus on manual dexterity. But overall, hitting a 22 means you’ve cleared a significant hurdle.

In a competitive admissions landscape, every point counts. And a 22? That’s not just competitive—it’s something to be proud of.