What is a good dental DAT score?

There's no single "good" DAT score, as it depends heavily on the specific dental schools you're applying to. Dental schools look at the entire application, but a competitive DAT score is crucial. Generally, a total science score above 20 is considered very competitive, and many successful applicants score even higher.

However, here's a more nuanced breakdown:

* Highly Competitive: A total science score of 20 or above, with individual section scores (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry) also falling within the high range (often above 20 in each). A high percentile ranking (above 80th or even 90th percentile) is a strong indicator of competitiveness.

* Competitive: A total science score in the 18-19 range is still competitive, but you'll need a strong GPA and other aspects of your application to stand out.

* Less Competitive: Scores below 18 might make admission more challenging, though it's not impossible depending on the rest of your application.

Remember: The DAT score is just one piece of the puzzle. Dental schools also heavily weigh GPA, extracurricular activities, shadowing experiences, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement. A strong DAT score significantly improves your chances, but it's not the sole determinant of acceptance. Research the average DAT scores of students accepted to your target schools to get a more specific idea of what's considered competitive for those programs.