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Welcome to the DAT & OAT FAQ and Student Score Hub by DAT Destroyer
This thread is a free resource created to help pre-dental and pre-optometry students succeed. Whether you have questions about the DAT, the OAT, or just want to connect with others on the same journey, you’re in the right place.
You can ask about anything — from General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Math, or QR, to the application process and beyond. No question is too small, and we’re here to support you through every step on the road to dental or optometry school.
Looking for even more free resources?
- Facebook Group: Join for daily tips, encouragement, and peer support.
- Orgoman Blog: Study strategies and advice directly from Dr. Romano and me.
- YouTube Channel: Quick DAT tips and problem walkthrough videos.
- Trusted Prep Books: Helping students since 1985 — explore them here.
We’re glad you’re here and always happy to help.
This thread is updated regularly with new DAT and OAT scores, study tips, and helpful insights from Dr. Romano and students who’ve recently tested.
Be sure to scroll through the thread to see all the latest scores, updates, and discussions.
If you’re preparing for your exam and have questions about study strategies, timing, or resources, feel free to ask below — we’re always happy to help guide you.
⏱️ How Long Does It Really Take to Become a Dentist?
A lot of pre-dental students ask how many years it actually takes to become a dentist — from undergrad through dental school (and beyond if you specialize).
It typically takes 6–8 years to earn your license, depending on your path and whether you choose a residency or specialty. This post breaks it down step-by-step and shares what to expect at each stage, plus a few tips on preparing early for the DAT.
📘 Read the full guide here:
👉 How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?
Hope it helps anyone starting their pre-dental journey! Feel free to ask questions — we’ve helped thousands of students plan their path and stay motivated along the way.
New Article: Top 10 DAT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
✅ Why timed practice tests can hurt more than help
✅ Reading Comprehension tips that build real speed and focus
✅ Free daily reading passages and DAT Bio Review resources
You can read it here:
👉 Top 10 Most Common DAT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
🦷 Free DAT Prep Resources for Pre-Dental Students
These are perfect for students studying on a budget or supplementing paid resources.
📘 Read the full list here:
👉 🦷 Top 10 Free DAT Prep Resources for Pre-Dental Students
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Doc!” — Another amazing DAT result from Destroyer Nation 🎯
This student worked hard, stayed consistent, and crushed the DAT using DAT Destroyer and Dr. Romano’s teaching.
Scores:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 470
- Reading Comprehension: 480
- Biology: 510
- General Chemistry: 430
- Organic Chemistry: 500
- Perceptual Ability: 480
- Academic Average: 480
Student’s words:
“I’m so happy with these scores and couldn’t have done it without you, Doc. Thank you so much!”
We’re always so proud to see dedication pay off — years of helping students achieve their goals never gets old. 💪
If anyone has questions about study strategies, feel free to ask — Dr. Romano and I are always here to help!
We’re excited to share another amazing student achievement from our summer DAT program. This student’s dedication, along with Dr. Romano’s Tuesday/Thursday live classes, led to a phenomenal outcome:
📊 Scores:
- Organic Chemistry: 600 (Perfect score!)
- Total Science (TS): 510
- Academic Average (AA): 500
- PAT: 330
They reached out asking:
“Should I retake because of my lower PAT score?”
Dr. Romano’s guidance:
“No retake needed. Many dental schools will overlook a lower PAT when the AA and TS are this strong. The next step is to focus on selecting schools and researching their individual requirements.”
The student shared that the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer were their “holy grail” during prep and credits Dr. Romano’s teaching for their success.
Let’s celebrate this incredible milestone and wish them the best as they take the next step toward dental school! 🦷👏
✨ Latest DAT Scores
- BIO 600 / TS 520 / AA 490 – Student used only DAT Destroyer & Math Destroyer
- OAT 400 AA / 400 TS – 99th Percentile
- Scroll down to see recent student DAT scores and success stories.
These are real results from students who used the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer to reach their goals.
“Deferred? Don’t Panic — Here’s What It Really Means”
If you get a message that your application has been “deferred” or placed on hold, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean rejection. It simply means the school wants more time before making a final decision.Sometimes they’re waiting to see updated grades, DAT scores, or how many seats open up after December 15. A deferral means your file is still active and under consideration.
What you can do now:
✅ Send a short update or letter of interest explaining what’s new since you applied.
✅ Mention any new volunteer hours, research, or experiences that show growth.
✅ Keep grades strong and be ready if an interview invite comes later.
Many students hear back between January and March once schools start reviewing deferred applicants again. Stay patient, keep improving your file, and remember that movement happens throughout the cycle.
📘 Free DAT tips and guidance at Orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance
25 Dental School Interview Questions You Should Be Ready For
The ones you’ll almost definitely hear:
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why do you want to be a dentist
3. Why did you choose this school
4. What are your greatest strengths
5. What are your weaknesses or areas you’d like to improve
6. Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you handled it
7. How do you deal with stress or pressure
8. Tell me about a time you worked in a team and what role you played
9. What qualities do you think make a great dentist
10. Where do you see yourself in five to ten years
Other questions that come up often:
11. How did you prepare for the DAT and what did you learn from the experience
12. What extracurricular or volunteer work has been most meaningful to you
13. Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it
14. Describe a time you had to manage a conflict with a peer or coworker
15. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing dentistry today
16. How do you stay current with new developments in healthcare or science
17. What do you like to do outside of academics
18. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why
19. How would you handle an ethical dilemma in dental school
20. What is one misconception people have about dentists
21. How would you describe your communication style with patients
22. How do you handle constructive criticism
23. What does professionalism mean to you
24. Tell me about a time you showed leadership
25. Do you have any questions for us (always have one or two thoughtful ones ready)
When you practice, focus on giving honest answers with real examples instead of memorizing something word for word.
Admissions committees can tell when a response is genuine.
Be clear, be yourself, and remember that preparation shows confidence.
— Nancy
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