What Is the ADAT? A Complete Beginner Guide (2025–2026)
If you are considering advanced dental education or specializing after dental school, you have likely asked yourself: what is the ADAT?
The Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) is a standardized, computer-based exam designed to provide advanced dental education programs with a common academic yardstick to evaluate applicants. While the INBDE is for licensure, the ADAT is purely for admission into competitive programs.
Whether you are a current dental student, a practicing dentist, or an international applicant, understanding what is the ADAT and how to master it is the first step toward your specialization goals.
Who Should Take the ADAT?
The American Dental Association (ADA) describes the ADAT as an exam intended for individuals interested in postdoctoral training, advanced standing programs, or advanced dental education.
However, it is not mandatory for everyone. You should consider taking it if you fall into one of these three categories:
- Applicants to Competitive Specialties: Many residency programs (like Orthodontics, Endodontics, or Pediatric Dentistry) receive hundreds of applications. If your dental school uses a Pass/Fail grading system, program directors have a hard time comparing you to others. The ADAT provides them with a concrete score.
- Students with Lower GPAs: If your class rank isn’t where you want it to be, a high ADAT score can redeem your application by proving you have mastered the material.
- International Dentists: For those seeking “Advanced Standing” in North American universities, the ADAT demonstrates that your knowledge base aligns with U.S. and Canadian standards.
ADAT Format: What to Expect on Test Day
To fully understand what is the ADAT, you need to know the structure. It is not just a clinical exam; it is a marathon.
The total testing appointment lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. This includes a tutorial, scheduled breaks, and a post-test survey. The exam itself consists of multiple-choice questions administered in English, divided into three main sections:
- Biomedical Sciences: Covers anatomy, biology, and physiology. This is often considered the most challenging section for students who haven’t reviewed basic sciences in years.
- Clinical Sciences: This is the bulk of the exam. It covers everything from Endodontics and Operative Dentistry to Pharmacology and Ethics.
- Data, Research Interpretation, and Evidence-Based Dentistry: A unique section that tests your ability to interpret scientific literature and apply it to clinical practice.
How is the ADAT Scored?
Unlike the INBDE, which is a simple Pass/Fail exam, the ADAT gives you a scalable score. This is crucial for distinguishing yourself from other candidates.
- The Scale: Scores range from 200 to 800.
- The Increment: Scores are given in 10-point increments.
- Target Score: There is no official “passing” score. Each residency program sets its own internal benchmark for what they consider acceptable. However, aiming for a score above 500 is generally considered a good baseline for competitive programs.
It is important to note that there is no penalty for guessing. You should never leave a question blank on the ADAT. Additionally, some questions on the exam are “experimental” and do not count toward your score, though you won’t know which ones they are.
ADAT vs. INBDE: What’s the Difference?
A common confusion among students is distinguishing between the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) and the ADAT.
- INBDE: This is a licensure exam. You must pass it to practice dentistry in the US. It is Pass/Fail.
- ADAT: This is an admissions exam. You take it to get into a specialty program. It is scored numerically to rank candidates.
Think of the ADAT as the “GRE” or “GMAT” of the dental world—it’s an optional tool to boost your resume.
When Do You Get Your Scores?
After completing the grueling 4.5-hour session, patience is required. Official results are generally posted electronically to your “MyADA” account within 3 to 4 weeks after your test date.
Ensure you plan your exam date accordingly so that your scores arrive before your residency application deadlines.
How to Prepare for the ADAT
Now that you know what is the ADAT, the next question is: how do you crush it?
Since the exam covers a vast amount of material—from first-year biomedical sciences to final-year clinical judgment—relying solely on old dental school notes is rarely enough. The most effective way to prepare is through active recall using a dedicated ADAT Prep Course.
High-yield question banks, like those offered by ScoreADAT, allow you to simulate the exam environment, identify your weak areas, and get comfortable with the specific question style used by the ADA.
Quick Takeaway
If you are applying to programs that accept or require it, the ADAT is a powerful lever to prove your readiness—especially if your dental school grading system or background makes it hard for directors to compare you to other applicants.
Ready to start studying? Check out our comprehensive plans at ScoreADAT.
Next read on ScoreADAT: