Associations Between DAT, CBSE, and USMLE Step 1 Exams Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents

The Dental Admission Test (DAT), Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE), and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 are used to assess readiness in dental and medical education. This study examined associations between DAT scores (composite and subsections), CBSE scores, and USMLE Step 1 performance, to explore how these exams relate to each other.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-reported Qualtrics survey responses from oral & maxillofacial surgery residents distributed in 2023. Respondents from MD-granting programs reported their DAT, CBSE, and USMLE Step 1 scores. CBSE scores were standardized using the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) conversion chart to account for changes in score reporting. Of 77 responses, 27 met inclusion criteria. Due to unknown survey distribution totals, a formal response rate could not be calculated. Correlation analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Significant positive correlations were found between DAT Academic Average, Total Science, General Chemistry, and Biology scores and standardized CBSE scores (r = 0.40-0.60; 95% CI: 0.15-0.75; p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between DAT or CBSE scores and USMLE Step 1 performance (r = -0.10-0.20; 95% CI: -0.35-0.40; p > 0.05).

DAT composite and select subsection scores were associated with CBSE performance but not USMLE Step 1 outcomes. These results suggest that while the DAT may reflect early medical science readiness, it does not predict downstream Step 1 performance.