The second section is divided into six different problem sets designed to test perceptual ability, specifically in the areas of three-dimensional manipulation and spatial reasoning.
The third section of the DAT is divided into three academic essays, each of which is followed by questions about the passage's content.
The final section tests basic mathematics skills, with emphasis placed on algebra, critical thinking, fractions, roots, and trigonometric identities.
It has been "revised to eliminate the sections for numerical calculations, conversions, geometry, and trigonometry.
Items have been added in the following areas: data analysis, interpretation, and sufficiency; quantitative comparison; and probability and statistics."
The remaining two scores reported are summaries of the previous six: the Academic Average is the average of five scores rounded to the nearest whole number: quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
[citation needed] The mean academic average score for admissions is commonly 19.
During registration for the DAT, the applicant can indicate potential dental schools to send the scores to.