A good DAT RC score depends on the rest of your application, but the broad numbers are well known. Here is the breakdown that actually matters when you are setting a target.
The scale
The DAT reports RC on a 1 to 30 standard scale (also expressed on a 200 to 600 new scale). The mean is 19 to 20 (about 370 new scale) with a standard deviation around 3. Above 22 (430 new scale) is the top quartile. Above 25 (490 new scale) is roughly top 10 percent territory.
What schools actually want
Dental school admissions look at your Academic Average and PAT first. RC matters as part of the overall picture, not as a single line item. That said, here is the rough lay of the land.
Below 17 (below 340 new scale). Below average. Most US dental schools will see this as a soft spot, especially if it drags your Academic Average noticeably below the school median.
17 to 19 (340 to 370). Around average. Acceptable at many schools but not a strength.
20 to 22 (390 to 430). Above average. Most US dental schools have median DAT scores around 21 (410), so this lands you in the comfortable zone.
23 to 25 (450 to 490). Strong. Competitive at most schools and stands out at average ones.
26 plus (510 plus). Excellent. Helps anchor your application at top-ranked programs.
Your RC score works for you when it is a strength of your application, not a hole.
How to set your target
Look at the median DAT scores of the schools on your list. Most US schools publish median Academic Average and PAT each year. Aim 1 to 2 points above the lowest median on your list as your floor. Aim 1 point above the highest median as your stretch.
If your list has a 21 (410) median floor and a 24 (470) median ceiling, your target zone is 22 to 25 (430 to 490). That is what realistic looks like.
Should you retake just for RC
If your RC score is more than 3 points below your other DAT section scores, a retake usually makes sense. Admissions committees notice when one section drags the rest. RC is also the most coachable section, so a retake often produces real improvement.
See our 12-week plan for what that retake prep should look like.
Related: Is DAT RC hard, what the data says · Realistic improvement plan