DAT cost: $580 in 2026, with a 50% partial fee waiver
The DAT costs $580 in 2026, including score reports to every school you choose when you apply. A partial fee waiver covers 50% of the fee for eligible first-time candidates. Rescheduling costs $50 to $150 depending on notice, and fees are non-refundable.
Source: ADA, DAT 2026 Candidate Guide (updated August 4, 2026). Checked October 12, 2026. Older guides quoting $445 to $560 are out of date.
Every fee, itemized
| Fee | Amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Examination fee | $580 | The test and score reports to all schools and programs selected when you apply |
| Score report (later) | $55 per report | Reports requested after you apply |
| Eligibility extension | $150 | 45 more days to test; once per application |
| Score audit | $105 | Optional re-check of your results within 30 days |
| Reschedule, 30+ business days ahead | $50 | Paid to Prometric |
| Reschedule, 5-29 business days ahead | $70 | Paid to Prometric |
| Reschedule, 1-4 business days ahead | $150 | Paid to Prometric |
| No-show or 30+ minutes late | Full fee forfeited | You must reapply and pay again |
From the ADA’s DAT 2026 Candidate Guide. All fees in US dollars, non-refundable and non-transferable.
The partial fee waiver
The ADA offers a limited number of partial fee waivers each calendar year, granted first come, first served in batches from January 1, April 1 and July 1. A waiver covers 50% of the fee for your first DAT and for one retest, plus one free full DAT practice test. It doesn’t cover rescheduling or later score reports.
- Who qualifies: candidates with demonstrated financial hardship who received financial aid at their school, are testing for the first time, haven’t had a waiver before, and are US citizens or meet the IRS green card or substantial presence test.
- How to apply: get a DENTPIN first, then submit a waiver request from your DENTPIN account before you apply to test. Allow up to 10 business days for a decision.
Ways to avoid paying twice
- Choose your schools when you apply. Reports to them are free then; later ones cost $55 each, and the list can’t be edited after you submit.
- Match your name exactly to your ID. A mismatch means you can’t test and lose the $580.
- Book carefully. You have six months from approval to test; extending costs $150, and missing your window means a new application and fee.
- Reschedule early if you must: 30+ business days ahead costs $50, against $150 in the last week.
Common questions
Can I get a refund?
No. The ADA says all DAT fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Why do other sites show a lower fee?
Different pages quote different years. The ADA’s 2026 guide lists $580; earlier years were lower.