A comprehensive list of DAT resources
By Hilary Wong on Apr 16, 2018 08:00 am
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of taking the DAT? Not sure where to begin studying? You might be wondering how on earth you are going
to study for a five-hour exam that tests your knowledge on content you probably haven’t encountered in years (or at all, in the case of spatial knowledge). The
Dental Admission Test (DAT) can appear daunting at first, but luckily, there are a variety study materials that are tailored to different learning styles and starting background knowledge to help you achieve your dream
DAT score.
Studying part I: Learning content
If you are self-studying, the first part of studying is to learn content in the areas of natural sciences (biology, general chemistry and
organic chemistry), perceptual ability, reading and quantitative reasoning. Below are various resources that can help you refresh and learn your material:
Biology
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CliffNotes: AP Biology (3rd Edition)
provides a basic overview of the general biology concepts. Find it as a
free PDF or purchase it as a
hard copy.
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Feralis Biology Notes
are based on “CliffNotes: AP Biology,” but are more detailed. As actual notes created by a former DAT test taker, they are written in a format conducive to studying.
You can find an updated but incomplete version of Feralis’
original comprehensive notes on DAT Bootcamp.
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Bio Dynamite
is a 559-page document created by Dr. Jim Romano, creator of DAT Destroyer. Although lengthy, this document is easy-to-read and contains helpful visuals. Find this
document in his DAT Destroyer Facebook group.
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YouTube: For audio or visual learners, watching videos may help you retain
information. Check out
Crash Course Biology Lectures or
AK Lectures.
-
AudioLearn:
DAT Test Prep Series is an audio book that you can listen to on your way to work if you don’t have time to sit down with a book or a computer.
General chemistry/organic chemistry
-
Chad’s
Videos on CourseSaver
provides video instruction and mini quizzes to test your understanding after watching videos. This format encourages active learning to help you retain information.
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Mike’s
Videos on DAT Bootcamp
comes with premade lesson outlines in addition to video instruction and quizzes. Lesson outlines will save you a lot of time and writing.
Perceptual ability test
-
PAT
Academy on DAT Bootcamp
provides detailed video instruction on every question type (keyhole, top front end, angle ranking, hole punching, pattern folding, cube counting) and corresponding strategies. Videos come with practice quizzes and written explanations of solutions
to help you understand how strategies are applied.
Reading comprehension
-
Reading
Comprehension Academy on DAT Bootcamp provides video instruction on common question types and strategies.
-
Read
Scientific American articles to expand your scientific knowledge base — which will improve your comprehension — and to increase your reading speed.
Quantitative reasoning
Studying part II: Practice problems to test your knowledge
Now that you’ve learned the information, it’s time to test your knowledge. Completing practice problems not only helps you prepare for the
DAT test format, it also helps you review and retain information. The more you encounter the same information presented in different ways, the more likely you will remember it on test day.
The resources below offer 10 practice tests for the following subjects: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, reading comprehension,
quantitative reasoning and perceptual ability test:
-
DAT
Bootcamp includes PAT Generators, a tool that gives you unlimited practice for angle ranking, hole punching, cube counting and pattern folding. It has extra keyhole practice, too.
-
Crack
the DAT features a unique software. ASDA members receive 10 percent off.
-
datQvault
offers practice problems.
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Memorang
is a flashcard app to test you on the natural sciences. ASDA members receive 25 percent off.
For more practice, consider:
-
DAT
Destroyer and DAT Math Destroyer
problems are hard because each problem incorporates multiple concepts. If you have time to go through each problem, you will be well-prepared for the actual DAT.
-
DAT
Question of the Day sends a DAT practice question to your email every day. What better way to start your day than with DAT practice?
Once you have done enough practice problems, it’s time to practice taking full-length exams.
Support groups
Studying for the DAT demands stamina and self-motivation. Some days of studying will be better than others, and having people around you
who understand your struggles and cheer you on can make such a difference. You can find a supportive community of DAT test-takers on Facebook, where predental students share questions, study tips and advice with each other:
And, of course, ASDA supports you, too. Sign up for
webinars held this week during DAT Week to help you better prepare for the exam. If you’re taking a study break, check out
ASDA’s DAT Week Instagram Challenges for a chance to win some fun prizes.
~Hilary Wong, Northeastern University ’19, Predental Consultant
Join predentals nationwide in celebrating ASDA DAT Week. During the week of April 16-20, ASDA will be offering valuable webinars and
resources to prepare students for the Dental Admission Test. Predentals that
join ASDA during DAT Week will be eligible for prizes, including DAT resources.
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Navigating your first employment contract
By Treloar & Heisel on Apr 12, 2018 08:00 am
The
first steps you take after graduation from Dental School are often filled with much uncertainty. A common issue that all future dental entrepreneurs face is figuring out their vision for their career. One factor that can set your vision off course early
on is not having appropriate and professional legal help.
Join us for the first edition of The Business Brush-Up to hear from a national authority on legal issues for dental professionals, Ali Oromchian.
In a recent conversation I had with Ali we discussed issues that new dentists face. During our conversation Ali asked, “What could prevent you from achieving your goals as a dental professional? Knowing how your first contract works and how you want it
to protect and help you is a critical first step.”
This webinar will challenge you to develop your vision for your career and to help guide you in what’s important to you as you make the
transition from dental school to private practice, a smoother and more successful one.
5
Tips for Legal Success After Graduation: Your First Employment Contract
Thursday, April 26
Noon – 1 p.m. OR 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Register for either the
afternoon or
evening session of this webinar, presented by ASDA’s
Career Compass and
Treloar and Heisel.
We look forward to having you join us on April 26!
~The Team at Treloar & Heisel
This content is sponsored and does not necessarily reflect the views of ASDA.
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