Veterans DAT: Complete 2026 Guide to GI Bill Reimbursement for the Dental Admission Test
The Veterans DAT refers to the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and the VA education benefit that reimburses eligible Veterans, service members, and dependents for the DAT registration fee. The DAT is required by all U.S. dental schools for admission. The GI Bill covers the test fee through the VA National Testing Program. Veterans must file VA Form 22-0810 to receive reimbursement.
Quick Facts What Is the Veterans DAT?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | GI Bill reimbursement for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) fee |
| Eligibility | Veterans, service members, and dependents eligible for Ch 33, 30, 1606, or 35 |
| Application | VA Form 22-0810 (Request for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee) |
| Processing Time | 4–8 weeks after VA receives the completed form |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration |
| Required Forms | VA Form 22-0810; receipt for testing fee; copy of test results |
| Test Fee (2026) | $540–$560 (paid to the ADA, not VA) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is the Dental Admission Test (DAT)?
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam required by all U.S. dental schools for admission into Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) programs. It is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and delivered year-round through Prometric test centers. The DAT measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.
DAT Test Sections
The DAT consists of four sections totaling approximately 280 questions. The exam takes about 4.5 hours to complete.
| Section | Questions | Time | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey of Natural Sciences | 100 | 90 minutes | Biology (40), General Chemistry (30), Organic Chemistry (30) |
| Perceptual Ability Test | 90 | 60 minutes | Apertures, angle discrimination, cube counting, 3D form development, paper folding, view recognition |
| Reading Comprehension Test | 50 | 60 minutes | Dental and basic sciences passages |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 | 45 minutes | Algebra, data analysis, quantitative comparison, probability and statistics |
DAT Scoring System (2026)
The DAT changed its scoring system on March 1, 2025. Scores now range from 200 to 600 instead of the previous 1–30 scale. The new 3-digit reporting scale provides more granular differentiation between candidates. A score of 400 is considered competitive. Dental schools use DAT scores alongside GPA, coursework, and other application materials to assess candidates.
DAT Eligibility Requirements
To take the DAT, candidates generally must have completed at least one year of college education, including courses in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Most successful applicants complete two or more years of college coursework before taking the exam. DAT scores more than three years old are not accepted by many dental schools.
How Does the GI Bill Reimburse the DAT Fee?
The GI Bill reimburses the DAT registration fee through the VA National Testing Program. VA will pay back the required test fee, including registration and administrative fees. The reimbursement is not automatic—Veterans must file VA Form 22-0810 and submit proof of payment and test results.
What VA Reimburses
DAT registration fee
Administrative fees required to take the test
Fees for specialized tests
Test fees even if you do not pass
Test fees if you need to retake the test
What VA Does Not Reimburse
Pretest costs (such as Kaplan or other test prep courses)
Fees to get scores quickly (expedited score reporting)
Optional items not required to take the approved test
Travel, lodging, or meal costs
Maximum Reimbursement
There is no maximum reimbursable amount for national tests under the GI Bill. VA will reimburse the full required test fee. However, the reimbursement is charged against your GI Bill entitlement at a prorated rate.
How Entitlement Is Charged
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVA charges your GI Bill entitlement based on the amount reimbursed. For the 2026–2027 school year (beginning August 1, 2026), Veterans are charged one month of GI Bill entitlement for each $2,578.64 received in GI Bill payments. For the 2025–2026 school year, the rate was $2,496.26. Since the DAT fee is around $540–$560, the entitlement charge is minimal—approximately one-fifth of a month of benefits.
Who Qualifies for DAT Reimbursement?
You qualify for DAT reimbursement if you are eligible for at least one of the four VA education benefit programs listed below. You do not need to be enrolled in school at the time of the test. You must have filed an original application for GI Bill benefits and been found eligible.
Eligible VA Education Benefit Programs
| Benefit Program | Chapter | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | Chapter 33 | Veterans and service members with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, or 30 days continuous service with a service-connected discharge |
| Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty | Chapter 30 | Veterans who entered active duty after June 30, 1985, and contributed to the MGIB program |
| Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve | Chapter 1606 | Members of the Selected Reserve, including National Guard and Reserve members |
| Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Chapter 35 | Spouses and children of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions or who died from service-connected causes |
Who Can Use This Benefit
Veterans
Active-duty service members
National Guard and Reserve members
Military spouses and dependents eligible under Chapter 35
Important Eligibility Note
You must have filed an original application for VA education benefits and been found eligible before applying for test reimbursement. If you have never applied for GI Bill benefits, you must do that first.
How to Apply for DAT Reimbursement: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Take the DAT and Pay the Fee
Register for the DAT through the American Dental Association (ADA) at ada.org. The current fee is $540–$560, paid directly to the ADA. The fee covers test administration and official score reporting to dental schools you select at the time of application.
Step 2: Get Your Receipt and Test Results
After taking the DAT, keep your receipt for the testing fee and obtain a copy of your official test results. You will need both to submit with your reimbursement claim.
Step 3: Complete VA Form 22-0810
Download VA Form 22-0810 (Request for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee) from VA.gov. Complete one form per exam. The form requires:
Your personal identification information (name, SSN, VA file number)
The name of the test (DAT)
The date you took the test
The amount of the test fee
Your education benefit program information
Your signature and date
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
You can submit your completed form in one of two ways:
Option 1: Online through QuickSubmit
Upload your form through VA’s QuickSubmit tool. Include:
A copy of the receipt for the testing fee
A copy of the test results
Option 2: Mail Your Form
Mail your completed form to the VA regional processing office for the state where you live. Include:
A copy of the receipt for the testing fee
A copy of the test results
Step 5: Receive Reimbursement
VA will review your claim and reimburse the approved test fee. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. The reimbursement is paid directly to you and is charged against your GI Bill entitlement at the prorated rate.
Required Documents for DAT Reimbursement
| Document | What It Is | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| VA Form 22-0810 | Request for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee | VA.gov/forms/22-0810 |
| Receipt for testing fee | Proof you paid the DAT fee | From ADA when you register/pay |
| Copy of test results | Official DAT score report | From ADA after test completion |
| DD-214 | Military separation document (if not already on file) | Personnel records |
| VA file number | Your VA claim number | On previous VA correspondence |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Filing VA Form 22-0810
Reimbursement is not automatic. You must submit the form and required documents. Many Veterans assume VA will automatically reimburse the fee—it will not.
2. Losing the Receipt
Keep your DAT registration receipt. Without it, VA cannot verify the amount you paid. The ADA provides a receipt when you register and pay.
3. Waiting Too Long to File
While there is no strict deadline for filing, submitting your claim promptly ensures faster processing. Do not wait months after taking the test.
4. Assuming Test Prep Is Covered
VA does not reimburse pretest costs, including Kaplan courses, practice tests, or tutoring. Only the required test fee is reimbursed.
5. Not Checking Your Entitlement Balance
Reimbursement charges your GI Bill entitlement. Check your remaining entitlement before filing to understand the impact.
6. Forgetting to Include Test Results
VA requires a copy of your test results along with the receipt. Submitting without test results will delay processing.
7. Using the Wrong Form
VA Form 22-0810 is specifically for national exam fee reimbursement. Do not use a different form—it will delay your claim.
8. Not Applying for GI Bill Benefits First
You must have an approved GI Bill application on file before requesting test reimbursement. If you have never applied, do that first.
9. Not Selecting Dental Schools at Registration
When you register for the DAT, select all dental schools you plan to apply to. Adding schools later incurs additional fees that VA does not cover.
10. Assuming All Tests Are Covered
Only VA-approved national tests are reimbursable. The DAT is approved. However, if you take a test not on VA’s approved list, you will not be reimbursed.
GI Bill Reimbursement vs. Other Funding Options
Veterans pursuing dental school have several funding options beyond GI Bill test reimbursement.
| Funding Source | What It Covers | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| GI Bill National Testing Program | DAT fee reimbursement | Ch 33, 30, 1606, 35 beneficiaries |
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | Tuition, fees, housing, books | Veterans with qualifying active duty service |
| Montgomery GI Bill | Tuition, fees, monthly stipend | Veterans who contributed to MGIB |
| VR&E (Chapter 31) | Tuition, fees, supplies, housing | Veterans with service-connected disabilities |
| Yellow Ribbon Program | Additional tuition costs at participating schools | Post-9/11 GI Bill at 100% eligibility |
| Federal Student Aid | Loans, grants, work-study | All eligible students |
| Scholarships | Varies by program | Varies |
VR&E for Dental School
Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 10% or more may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits. VR&E can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and a monthly subsistence allowance for approved programs, including dental school. VR&E is separate from the GI Bill National Testing Program.
How Long Does DAT Reimbursement Take?
VA education benefit claims, including test reimbursement, typically process in 4–8 weeks after VA receives your completed form. Processing times may be longer during periods of high volume, such as the start of the academic year.
Factors That Affect Processing Time
Completeness of your application
Whether you submitted the receipt and test results
Whether VA has your GI Bill eligibility on file
Volume of claims at your regional processing office
How to Check Your Claim Status
Check your education benefit claim status online at VA.gov or call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time).
DAT Scoring and Dental School Admissions
Your DAT score is a critical component of your dental school application. Understanding how scores are used helps you prepare and set goals.
What Dental Schools Look For
Academic average (AA):Â Overall score across all sections
Perceptual ability (PAT):Â Score on the Perceptual Ability Test
Total science (TS):Â Combined score on Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
Reading comprehension:Â Score on the Reading Comprehension Test
Quantitative reasoning:Â Score on the Quantitative Reasoning Test
Competitive Scores
Under the new 200–600 scoring system, a score of 400 or higher is generally considered competitive. Dental schools vary in their average accepted DAT scores. Check the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools for program-specific data.
How Many Times Can You Take the DAT?
You can take the DAT up to three times. You must wait 90 days between attempts. After three attempts, you must wait one year before requesting a fourth attempt, and you must apply for special permission from the ADA. VA will reimburse the test fee each time you take the DAT, as long as you have remaining GI Bill entitlement.
Common Questions
What is the Veterans DAT?
The Veterans DAT refers to the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and the VA benefit that reimburses eligible Veterans, service members, and dependents for the DAT fee through the GI Bill National Testing Program. The DAT is required for admission to all U.S. dental schools.
Does the GI Bill pay for the DAT?
Yes. The GI Bill reimburses the DAT registration fee, including administrative fees. VA will pay back the required test fee even if you do not pass. You must file VA Form 22-0810 and submit your receipt and test results.
How much does the DAT cost in 2026?
The DAT fee is approximately $540–$560, paid directly to the American Dental Association (ADA). This fee covers test administration and score reporting to dental schools you select at registration.
How do I get reimbursed for the DAT?
Complete VA Form 22-0810 (Request for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee). Submit it online through QuickSubmit or by mail to your VA regional processing office. Include a copy of your receipt and test results.
Who qualifies for DAT reimbursement?
Veterans, service members, and dependents eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill (Ch 33), Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Ch 30), Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Ch 1606), or Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Ch 35).
Does VA reimburse test prep courses?
No. VA does not reimburse pretest costs, including Kaplan courses, practice tests, or tutoring. Only the required DAT registration fee is reimbursed.
How long does DAT reimbursement take?
VA education benefit claims typically process in 4–8 weeks after VA receives your completed form and documents. Processing times may be longer during high-volume periods.
How is my GI Bill entitlement charged for the DAT?
VA charges your entitlement at a prorated rate. For 2026–2027, you are charged one month of GI Bill entitlement for each $2,578.64 received in GI Bill payments. Since the DAT fee is around $540–$560, the charge is minimal.
What is the new DAT scoring system?
The DAT changed its scoring system on March 1, 2025. Scores now range from 200 to 600 instead of 1–30. A score of 400 or higher is generally considered competitive.
Can I take the DAT more than once?
Yes. You can take the DAT up to three times, with a 90-day waiting period between attempts. VA will reimburse the test fee each time, as long as you have remaining GI Bill entitlement.
What if I don’t pass the DAT?
VA will still reimburse your test fee. You are reimbursed for taking the test, not for passing it. You can also retake the test and receive reimbursement again.
Do I need to be enrolled in dental school to get reimbursed?
No. You can take the DAT and get reimbursed before enrolling in dental school. The reimbursement covers the test fee, not tuition or other expenses.
What documents do I need for DAT reimbursement?
You need VA Form 22-0810, a copy of your receipt for the testing fee, and a copy of your test results. If VA does not already have your DD-214 on file, you may need to provide it.
What is VA Form 22-0810?
VA Form 22-0810 is the Request for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee. It is used to claim reimbursement for approved national tests, including the DAT. Complete one form per exam.
Can dependents use this benefit?
Yes. Dependents eligible under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) can receive DAT reimbursement. The same process applies—file VA Form 22-0810 with receipt and test results.
How do I check my GI Bill entitlement balance?
Check your remaining entitlement at VA.gov or by calling the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT).
Is the DAT covered under VR&E?
VR&E (Chapter 31) may cover the DAT fee if it is part of an approved vocational rehabilitation plan. VR&E benefits are separate from the GI Bill National Testing Program. Contact your VR&E counselor for details.
What dental schools require the DAT?
All U.S. dental schools require the DAT for admission. It is also accepted by select Canadian dental schools. There are no U.S. dental schools that do not require the DAT.
What is the AA score on the DAT?
AA stands for Academic Average. It is the overall score across the Survey of Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning sections. AA is a key metric dental schools use to evaluate applicants.
Can I get reimbursed for the DAT if I’m on active duty?
Yes. Active-duty service members eligible for GI Bill benefits can receive DAT reimbursement. The same rules apply—file VA Form 22-0810 with receipt and test results.
Where do I mail VA Form 22-0810?
Mail your completed form to the VA regional processing office for the state where you live. Find the correct address on VA.gov or call 1-888-442-4551 for assistance.
Key Takeaways
The Veterans DAT refers to the Dental Admission Test and the GI Bill benefit that reimburses the test fee for eligible Veterans, service members, and dependents.
The DAT is required by all U.S. dental schools and is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA).
The DAT fee is approximately $540–$560. VA reimburses the full required fee, including administrative costs.
VA does not reimburse pretest costs, expedited score fees, or optional items not required to take the test.
File VA Form 22-0810 (Request for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee) with your receipt and test results.
Eligibility includes Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 30 (MGIB-AD), Chapter 1606 (MGIB-SR), and Chapter 35 (DEA).
VA will reimburse the test fee even if you do not pass and if you retake the test.
The DAT changed to a 200–600 scoring system on March 1, 2025. A score of 400 or higher is generally competitive.
Reimbursement processing takes 4–8 weeks. Check status at VA.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.
You must have an approved GI Bill application on file before requesting test reimbursement.
Official Resources
VA National Testing Program:Â va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/national-tests
VA Form 22-0810:Â va.gov/forms/22-0810
GI Bill Education Call Center: 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT)
VA Education Benefits:Â va.gov/education
VA QuickSubmit:Â va.gov/education/apply
American Dental Association DAT:Â ada.org/dat
ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools:Â adea.org
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals:Â va.gov/decision-reviews
Post-9/11 GI Bill Rates:Â va.gov/education/benefit-rates
VA Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E):Â va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation
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