Best DAT Prep Books in 2024: All You Need to Know

Making your way to the path of dentistry is never easy. As much as possible, you’ll need all the help that you could get. So whether you’re planning to go to a review center or do self-paced studying for an upcoming DAT, you’ll still have to prepare and acquire your own learning materials. If you are weak in Chemistry or Biology sections, you should use prep books to prepare better.

Note that due to challenging nature of PAT section, most DAT students rely on online prep course rather than books for comprehensive preparation. We have covered best online self study prep course in this article. In this article, we’ll exclusively focus on prep books.

To make it easier, we’ve covered five of the best DAT prep books you’d want to consider this 2023. They’re as follows:

#1.DAT Destroyer -Orgoman DAT Test Prep

This is one of the best prep books in DAT overall though its pricing is similar to online prep course.

DAT Destroyer includes 471 organic chemistry, 537 general chemistry, 903 biology, and 152 quantitative reasoning problems, all with solutions, providing ample practice and preparation for the exam.

Pros

Advanced Practice Questions – This study guide stands out with its inclusion of advanced practice questions, aimed at establishing a strong foundation for DAT. Each problem is paired with a detailed solution and explanation, ensuring a deep comprehension of the material. Generally, the question levels are tougher than Kaplan or Princeton review.

Excellent Value – It’s a practical choice for those preparing for the Dental Admission Test, offering thorough content coverage and practice at a reasonable price. If you prefer books over video lessons, it is an excellent choice.

Cons

• It does not have PAT section at all.
• Too expensive for a book.

#2. Kaplan DAT Prep Plus 

It has realistic practice tests and self-assessment activities( some of the questions are given on the actual DAT). 

Kaplan DAT Prep Plus contains 600 comprehensive problems with detailed solutions. It is one of the best in the market at the moment mainly because of the compilation of assessments it features. It thoroughly supports self-paced learning as it includes basic facilitator notes and detailed lesson overview and explanation per chapter. 

The book covers the main subjects covered in DAT such as Biology, Organic Chemistry, Geometry, and Trigonometry. 

Key Features

• General difficulty: Comprehensive
• Price: $46.53 (Paperback edition)
• 2 Full-length tests
• Assessments, activities, and practice questions: Yes
• Blueprint guide to help you prepare
• Video and audio tools: None included
• Pages: 948
• Format: Paperback and Kindle edition

Pros

• The Kaplan Prep Book has the greatest number of practice sets and questionnaires that are beneficial for those who are self-reviewing for the DAT.
• This prep course has a holistic review approach which helps strengthen a student’s fundamental knowledge in the subjects covered in DAT.
• It supports a flexible learning style that students can easily adapt to.
• Who can forget about the money-back guarantee which is something that only Kaplan offers?

Cons

• Practice questions are a little easier than real DAT.
• The compilation of questions and assessments in this book is more of short answer questions than detailed, comprehensive ones.

#3. Mometrix Test Preparation DAT Prep Book

This book is considered the best choice if your goal is to get a high DAT score and get into the top dental schools in the country. It is also based on self-paced learning like the Kaplan prep book; however, it is more advanced and focuses on complex lessons and not much on the fundamentals.

Mometrix is an awesome study guide since it highlights the key areas that will be included in DAT. They are basing their practice sets on previous DATs which makes them relevant and timely. It is significantly well-detailed and is actually the resource mostly being used in review centers as it tackles critical areas and complex lessons for DAT subjects. 

One of its best features is the PAT section. It has all the practice sets you’ll need to hone your skills and master various concepts that will be covered in the DAT. It also has fun and engaging activities such as paper folding, view recognition, 3D art form development, angle discrimination, and a lot more.

If you’re planning to go with the Mometrix Test Preparation DAT Prep Book, make sure to efficiently combine it with other prep materials so that you’ll easily understand complex chapters.

Key Features

• General difficulty: Advanced
• Price: $57.95-$91.99
• Full-length tests: Yes
• Assessments, activities, and practice questions: Yes
• Video and audio tools: Included through the online access
• Pages: 348
• Format: Paperback

Pros

• It might be too condensed for some. It is straight to the point and doesn’t contain fluff.
• Includes personal tips from the authors on how to confidently pass the DAT.
• DVD and online access are included upon purchasing the book.
• It focuses on the relevant areas you should master.

Cons

• It doesn’t have a general review which could be a disadvantage to those who have slow-paced learning capabilities and to those that need more focus on the fundamentals of the DAOT math and sciences.
• Mometrix Test Preparation DAT Prep Book is quite expensive compared to other prep books considering that it is not a stand-alone material.

#4. Cracking the DAT by The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review is one of the most popular names in the industry of test review. Everything you should know about the DAT is already contained in the book. It offers an extensive subject review which will help you master the learning concepts you’ll need while familiarizing yourself with DAT question formats. Its approach to the readers is very precise, and it displays details simply in a way that anyone can understand in self-paced learning.

This book  almost spoon-feeds information to students since it is filled with illustrations, easily torn-out notes, and numerous drills and questionnaires so you can assess your learnings and practice your skill.

Just like the Kaplan prep book, it also has two full length tests that you may take in the middle and by the end of your study schedule plan. They also give their customers full-on online access to their other reading materials which come for free! 

This is the best choice if you’re looking for a study guide where you’ll maximize the value of your money.

Key Features

• General difficulty: Comprehensive
• Price: $47.56-$58.27
• Full-length tests: 2
• Assessments, activities, and practice questions: Yes
• Video and audio tools: None included
• Pages: 928
• Format: Paperback with online extras

Pros

• This is the best choice for self-paced learning that supports all types of learning abilities since it’s very detailed and simple.
• It has a comprehensive review of critical topics primarily the major one which is Organic Chemistry.
• Provides full-colored pages for quick reference (also known as cheat sheets). This book is the only one to have this feature, and it is really helpful in memorizing and mastering key concepts while on the go.
• Detailed explanations for comprehensive problems.

Cons

• There are a few errors reported concerning their practice questions.
• It has fewer practice tests and is more focused on short diagnostic assessments and activities.

#5. Barron’s Dental Admissions Test Prep

This could simply be the cheapest study guide currently available in the marketplace. With its paperback format, you’ll get to have all the information and key concepts that you’ll need to equip to pass the exam. 

The best way to utilize Barron’s Test Prep is to use other materials along with it. It is just a short book, but it covers the most critical parts of the DAT exam. 

The content is simplified enough to provide an easier approach to those who are self-studying. It also adapts a holistic approach to the review. As such, this is recommended for those who have time constraints on their review. 

This book will help you achieve your objectives even if your study plan only covers a 4-week schedule max. It has 3 full-length tests which you can take at the beginning, middle, and end of your study plan. Overall, this is a perfect guide to assess your improvement on the study matter.

As it presents well-phased and detailed problems, it also provides comprehensive answers that can easily be understood. It doesn’t have much fluff, and since this is a short book, it is condensed and straight to the point. 

It also includes tutorials from the authors which will help you understand the concept more and absorb the ideas better. Meanwhile, its online access also offers a full-length mock DAT which is easily accessible through any smart device.

Key Features

• General difficulty: Comprehensive
• Price: $16.09
• Full-length tests: 3
• Assessments, activities, and practice questions: Yes
• Video and audio tools: Yes
• Pages: 500
• Format: Paperback with full-on online access

Pros

• This is the most affordable DAT prep book on this list which has received a lot of good book reviews online.
• It focuses on the general coverage of key concepts and study points for DAT math and sciences.
• The exams included on the set are very useful, and the fact that they offer a mock DAT online already gives it an edge over its competitors.

Cons

• There are a few reports of misleading information against Barron’s Test Prep.
• The pages of the physical book are fragile and can be torn easily. You really have to be extra careful in handling it.

#6. Barron’s Dental Admissions Test 2nd Edition

Yes, there are different versions of Barron’s Test Prep for DAT. This is the latest edition from Barron which covers topics from the DAT of 2018-2023. The review materials from Barron’s are high-quality, and with the help of other trusted DAT resources, you should have a higher chance of acing your DAT. 

The book includes a CD-ROM which covers master concepts. It also acts as a guide on how to effectively utilize the prep book. Not only that, but it also gives you a glimpse of what the actual DAT will look like.

The prep book also includes tips on what to do during the actual examination day. On the CD-ROM, you’ll get 2 practice sets that act as exam simulations since they are both timed and has the test-taking conditions of the actual DAT. 

You’ll also get a comprehensive review of the concepts that appear the most in Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, and Biology, among all others.

Barron’s DAT: Dental Admissions Test 2nd Edition is the latest release from Barron. It received a lot of good reviews online saying that it has sufficient practice sets to engage students in learning and self-assessments. Just like the other Barron prep book, this is best utilized with supporting materials from other test companies.

Key Features

• General difficulty: Advanced
• Price: $22.11
• Full-length tests: 4
• Assessments, activities, and practice questions: Yes
• Video and audio tools: None included
• Pages: 512
• Format: Paperback with CD-ROM

Pros

• It is user-friendly.
• Detailed answers and explanations to the solutions of comprehensive problems and practice tests.
• There are a lot of word problems compiled in the book.
• Topics are thoroughly discussed, and mnemonics are even used per chapter for better familiarity with key concepts.
• It features a beginner-friendly approach for its readers.

Cons

• There are reports of typographical errors and misleading information in this book.
• Unusable CD-ROMs due to disc cracks are also reported on this material.

The Best Resources to Match Your DAT Prep Book

As you might have noticed a few times, some prep books really require the use of other materials for further learning references. As such, here’s a short list of materials you might want to consider:

• Sterling Test Prep DAT General Chemistry Review
• Sterling DAT Biology Practice Questions

• Sterling Test Prep DAT Organic Chemistry Practice Questions

Sterling is also a big name in the test industry. The review materials that are made by Sterling come in the form of booklets and flashcards. They focus more on ramping up your knowledge of the natural sciences in preparation for DAT. 

Their question sets are comprehensive word problems with multiple choices. Meanwhile, the answer key even goes a step further by comparing the choices and explaining why the answer is the best choice.

If you already have a prep book, you may opt to get a flashcard set instead. This way, you’ll have a main guide for your review as well as a study guide even on the go. It is also a fun way to learn, especially if your learning mechanism includes a study buddy or a group session. 

Learning through resources from other review centers will diversify your knowledge and will prepare you more for the upcoming DAT.

Choosing the Right Prep Book for DAT

You don’t have to be smart to pass the DAT, nor do you have to work hard to finish your DAT review. The truth is, you just have to work smarter to easily pass the test. 

There are several factors that will affect your chances of passing the DAT. These are time, environment, perseverance, and study material. 

Moreover, you can definitely manipulate these factors through the following:

• With the right study plan, you’ll surely defeat the time constraint that hinders you from studying
• By assessing which environment works best for your learning (physical review centers, self-studying. Group sessions, etc.), you’ll surely be comfortable during the whole process of studying for DAT
• By setting your mind to your goal and persevering to pass and achieve the DAT, you are already setting the tone for the whole review time you’ll go through
• By choosing the right study material, you are already winning before you get started.

We have gathered tips that will surely get you the best option to maximize your money’s value and help you ace the DAT. You might want to consider any or all of them:

• Look for a study guide that includes lots and lots of practice sets and tests. This is what you’ll need to monitor and analyze your scores all throughout the time you are reviewing for DAT. Remember: practice makes perfect.
• The prep book you should choose is one that has detailed explanations and comprehensive guides so that you can easily absorb the information needed. This will also make it easy for you to familiarize its concepts.
• Not all books are error-free. However, if you’re going to choose a prep book, you can consider this factor as a major criterion.
• Most prep books are written in a good structure, but you have to choose one that complements your learning style.
• You should always consider the cost of the material you’ll be getting. There are prep books that are noticeably cheaper than the others. However, keep in mind that buying a prep book is not just for the DAT itself. Consider it as an investment that you’ll get to bring to dental school. The few hundred bucks that you will use to buy a prep book today, is nothing compared to what you will earn once you become a dentist in the near future.

Final Words

The above list of prep books is based on our research of the best DAT resources for 2023. Those five are the most popular and well-reviewed books online. 

Keep in mind that this is just a guide on which could work best for you during your review for DAT. Make sure to assess your learning pace first before picking a prep book to guide you throughout the process.

FAQs

What is the best prep for DAT?

If you have to pick one and you have budget of $175, go for DAT Destroyer. Otherwise, pick Kaplan Prep Plus or Cracking the DAT by Princeton Review.

Is 2 months enough time to prepare for DAT?

Yes,if you can put 40 hours per week. Generally, it is recommended to keep 3 months of time for DAT preparation. You can check DAT Booster prep course, if you have limited time for preparation.