DATSOAPCARVING.CA



Why do I need classes to learn how to soap carve?

The main issue encountered in soap carving is the 30-minute time constraint. We teach you all the tricks necessary to have a perfectly carved soap, regardless of the pattern, in under 30 minutes.

I don’t have good manual dexterity; I feel like my situation is hopeless, can you help me?

Don’t despair, we have had many students feel this way in the past and with our help, and their effort, they managed to excel in the Manual Dexterity Test (MDT). To accomplish this, our courses apply a 6 step process:

  • First, we show you how to master several techniques which are crucial to passing the MDT; this will help you build a solid foundation.
  • Second, we guide you through the methods to carve every shape you might encounter.
  • Third, we teach you about all of the most common mistakes students encounter during the MDT, as well as how to fix these errors if they happen to you.
  • Fourth, we show you exactly what to expect on the day of your test so there are no surprises, and you are well prepared.
  • Fifth, we provide you with a strategy to take on the MDT so, you don’t waste a second of your time.
  • Finally, we provide you with a pattern generator and a lot of practice soap so that you can practice as much as necessary to master the MDT.

Which Soap Carving Patterns do you teach us to do?

We show you how to master the ten different cuts made available by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).

Are your soaps similar to the ones from the CDA?

Our soaps are slightly softer than the CDA practice soap, and their texture is closer to that of the soap encountered during the test. Furthermore, our soaps are far more affordable allowing you to acquire as many as necessary to perfect your skills.

How long does it take for my soap to arrive?

We ship the following business day with Canada Post regular. The Free standard shipping option usually takes 2 to 7 business days across Canada. Contact us for pricing if you would like it shipped expedited.

Contact us if you have any other questions.








CDA Test (Summary)



The Canadian Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)

The DAT is a test designed to help students assess their aptitude for a career in dentistry and to assist dental schools in selecting first-year students.


Dental Aptitude Test Program

The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) Program is conducted by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), in coordination with the American Dental Association, and has been in operation on a national basis since 1966.

As a dental school applicant, you are encouraged to participate in the DAT well in advance of applying to dental school. Ideally, you should take the DAT exam at least one year before entering dental school.

Submission of DAT scores is an admission requirement of most of the 10 Canadian dental schools. Canadian DAT scores are accepted by most U.S. dental schools, but because the U.S. DAT does not include a manual dexterity component, results of the U.S. DAT cannot be used for admission to Canadian dental schools. For exceptional circumstances, contact the dental school regarding their possible acceptance of U.S. DAT scores.

Examinations are held twice a year, in November and February, at various test centres across Canada. The testing program is designed to evaluate general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, two- and three-dimensional visual perception and manual dexterity.

While all Canadian dental schools require applicants to submit DAT scores as part of the admission process, the test results are only one factor considered in evaluating the admission potential of an applicant. The relative importance of DAT scores in evaluating the admission potential of an applicant is determined by each dental school and is not regulated by the DAT Program.

Registration for the DAT is not an application to dental school. Information on admission requirements of individual dental schools must be obtained directly from each dental school.

The complete DAT consists of 4 components for the English test and 3 components for the French test. The tests are administered over one half (½) day and include:

Scope of the DAT

Component Number of Questions Time allotted
Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) N/A 30 minutes
Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS) 70 questions ( Biology 1-40 chemistry 41-70) 60 minutes
Perceptual Ability Test  (PAT) 90 questions 60 minutes
Reading Comprehension Test (RCT) 50 questions 50 minutes

1. Manual Dexterity Test - 30 minutes

Carving a specified model out of a cylindrical bar of soap specially made for the DAT.

*Please note that not all Canadian dental schools use the Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) as part of their admission requirements. It is your responsibility to verify the admission requirements of dental schools that you are interested in applying to and to understand each school's admission requirements. Students who plan to apply to more than one school should strongly consider taking the MDT.

2. Survey of Natural Sciences - 60 minutes


Biology - origin of life; cell metabolism (including photosynthesis); enzymology; cellular processes; thermodynamics; organelle structure and function; mitosis/meiosis; biological organization and relationship of major taxa (using the five-kingdom system: monera, planti; anamalia; protista; fungi); Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology - structure and function of vertebrate systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, immunological, digestive, respiratory, urinary, nervous/senses, endocrine, and reproductive); Developmental Biology - fertilization, descriptive embryology, and developmental mechanisms; Genetics: molecular genetics; human genetics; classical genetics; Chromosomal genetics; Evaluation, Ecology, and Behaviour: natural selection; population genetics/speciation; cladistics; population and community ecology; ecosystems; animal behaviour (including social).

General Chemistry – Stoichiometry and General Concepts (percent composition; empirical formulae; balancing equations; moles and molecular formulas; molecular formula weights; molar mass; density; calculations from balanced equations; gases (kinetic molecular theory of gases; Dalton's, Boyle's, Charles', and ideal gas laws); liquids and solids; (intermolecular forces; phase changes; vapour pressure; structures; polarity; properties); Solutions (polarity; properties; colligative; non-colligative; forces; concentration calculations) Acids and Bases (pH; strength; BrØnsted-Lowry reactions; calculations) Chemical Equilibria (molecular; acid/base; precipitation; calculations; Le Chatelier's principle); Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry (law of thermodynamics; Hess's law; spontaneity; enthalpies and entropies; heat transfer) Chemical Kinetics (rate laws; activation energy; half-life) Oxidation-Reduction Reactions (balancing equations; determination of oxidation numbers; electrochemical calculations; electrochemical concepts and terminology) Atomic and Molecular Structure (electron configuration; orbital types; Lewis-Dot diagrams; atomic theory; quantum theory; molecular geometry; bond types; sub-atomic particles) Periodic Properties (representative elements; transition elements; periodic trends; descriptive chemistry) Nuclear Reactions (balancing equations; binding energy; decay processes; particles; terminology) Laboratory (basic techniques; equipment; error analysis; safety; data analysis)

3. Perceptual Ability - 60 minutes

The Perceptual Ability Test is comprised of six subtests: 1) apertures, 2) view recognition, 3) angle discrimination, 4) paper folding, 5) cube counting, and 6) 3D form development.

4. Reading Comprehension (English DAT only) - 50 minutes

Consists of 3 reading passages. Ability to read, organize, analyze and remember new information in dental and basic sciences. Ability to comprehend thoroughly when studying scientific information. Reading materials are typical of materials encountered in the first year of dental school and require no prior knowledge of the topic other than a basic undergraduate preparation in science.

The English- and French-language examinations require approximately 5 and 4 hours respectively, with no formal lunch break. However, stretch breaks will be provided.

The English test consists of a Survey of Natural Sciences, a Perceptual Ability Test, a Reading Comprehension Test and a Manual Dexterity Test. There is no Reading Comprehension Test on the French DAT.

*The above information was compiled from the Canadian Dental Association’s website: DAT Information. (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2016, from http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat/information/default.asp








Canadian Dental Association DAT (FAQ)



Why should I take the DAT?

Most of the 10 Canadian dental schools require scores for the DAT as part of their admission requirements for entry. Canadian DAT scores are also accepted by most of the American dental schools.

When can I register to take the DAT?

The DAT is held twice a year, once in November and a second time in February.

How many times can I retake the DAT?

Applicants are allowed to take the DAT an unlimited number of times. However, only the results of the last attempt along with the total number of attempts will be reported on the official DAT transcript.

When should I register for the DAT?

Registration opens July. You are advised to register as early as possible for your preferred test location and date and in advance of the registration deadline. Seats fill quickly at certain test centers and CDA cannot guarantee seat availability at the end of the registration period.

How many questions are on the DAT?

There is a total of 210 questions on the English DAT, plus the Manual Dexterity Test (MDT). There are a total of 160 questions on the French DAT (no reading comprehension test), plus the MDT.

  • The Survey of Natural Sciences (40 Biology and 30 Chemistry)
  • The Perceptual Ability Test (90 questions)
  • The Reading Comprehension Test (English only) (50 questions)

What is the format for the the DAT?

All test questions on the DAT are multiple-choice, except for the MDT.

When do I get DAT scores?

The DAT score transcripts are available 8 weeks after the DAT.


*The above information was compiled from the Canadian Dental Association’s website: Frequently Asked Questions about the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2016, from https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat/faqs/







List of Accredited Canadian Dental Schools



West

  • University of Saskatchewan
  • University of Alberta
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Manitoba

East

  • Dalhousie University

Ontario

  • University of Toronto
  • Western University

Québec

  • McGill University
  • Université de Montréal
  • Université Laval