The test is designed to be taken after you taken most prerequisites, but should be taken well before the time for application and interviewing. The DAT is scored on a 1-30 scale with most bunching around 15. Very few will score above 20 in any area. The overall caries rate has significantly dropped, but is by no means eradicated. Replacing the cavities of the past is an aging population with mostly intact teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry is now very important and is in high demand.
Dentistry has always been interested in preventing the ill effects of dental disease. However, in solving a problem at one level has revealed other issues in our teeth as we age. Different schools adopted different degree nomenclatures in the past. Now, both degrees require the same schooling, board exams, and licensure. Technology is making an incredible impact on our field.