The ADAT is a standardized exam developed by the American Dental Association (ADA), not the NDEB. It’s used by over 400 advanced dental education programs across the U.S. and Canada to evaluate applicants for specialty and advanced-standing programs.

⚠ ADAT is not required for NDEB licensure

The ADAT is a separate pathway from the standard NDEB Equivalency Process (AFK → ACJ → NDECC). It’s primarily used for admission into advanced-standing DDS programs — most notably, the University of Toronto and McGill University use ADAT in place of AFK for their degree-completion program admissions.

ADAT Exam Format

200

Multiple-choice questions

4.5 hrs

Total exam duration

3

Sections

The 3 ADAT Sections

Section Questions Time
Biomedical Sciences 80 95 minutes
Clinical Sciences 80 90 minutes
Data, Research & Evidence-Based Dentistry 40 45 minutes

When Can You Take the ADAT in 2027?

Unlike AFK, ACJ, or NDECC, the ADAT doesn't have a handful of fixed exam dates per year. Instead, it's administered during a fixed annual testing window from March 1 through August 31, at Pearson VUE test centres across the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec, where it is not offered). Candidates schedule their specific appointment within that window after their application is approved.

What the ADAT Costs

Cost Category Amount (USD)
ADAT registration fee ~$430 [VERIFY exact current fee in official ADA Candidate Guide]

Fees are set by the ADA in USD, non-refundable and non-transferable. Partial fee waivers (50% off) are available in limited batches for eligible candidates — check the official ADA site for current waiver windows.

NDECC Mock

What the ACJ Exam Costs in 2027

Cost Category Amount (CAD)
Official NDEB ACJ exam fee $1,350
ConfiDentist ACJ Comprehensive $3,199

Official NDEB fee current as of the July 2025 fee schedule. ConfiDentist pricing reflects the most recent published cycle — confirm this is still your current rate before publishing, and add rows for any other active course formats (e.g. Extended, bundles) once you have confirmed pricing for them.

Who Should Take the ADAT?

Applicants to U of T or McGill

These two universities have replaced AFK with ADAT for their degree-completion program admissions.

Specialty Program Applicants

Dentists pursuing advanced specialty training (endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and more) at ADAT-accepting programs.

Candidates Strengthening Their Profile

Even where not mandatory, a strong ADAT score can help an application stand out for competitive programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ADAT required for the NDEB Equivalency Process?

No. The ADAT is a separate pathway administered by the American Dental Association, distinct from the standard AFK → ACJ → NDECC route to NDEB certification.

What does the ADAT test in 2027?

The ADAT covers Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Data, Research & Evidence-Based Dentistry across 200 multiple-choice questions in 4.5 hours.

When can I take the ADAT in 2027?

The ADAT is administered during a fixed annual window from March 1 through August 31 at Pearson VUE test centres across the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).

How is the ADAT scored?

The ADAT is scored on a 200–800 scale, with no official pass or fail threshold — each program sets its own acceptable score for admission purposes.

Can I take the ADAT if I’m not applying to U of T or McGill?

Yes. Over 400 advanced dental education programs across the U.S. and Canada recognize ADAT scores, either as a requirement or a supplemental evaluation tool.