DAT Perceptual Ability

Master the visual and spatial reasoning skills necessary for the Dental Admission Test Perceptual Ability section.

Study Strategies

Process of Elimination

Narrow Down Your Choices

Many Perceptual Ability questions have answer choices that are clearly wrong if you look closely. Eliminating unlikely options boosts your odds of picking the right one, even if you’re unsure.

How to Apply

  • Quickly scan all choices for obvious mismatches
  • Cross out impossible answers to focus attention
  • Trust your instincts—your first impression is often right!

This technique helps you stay calm and efficient throughout the test.

Examples

  • Eliminating shapes that are too large to fit the keyhole.

  • Crossing out angles that are visibly too small or too large.