when using the object explorer, and selecting table details, is there a way to set the default sort on the data tab to be DESC instead of ASC. it would be easier when reviewing data to see the newest data in my table instead of the oldest data in the table.
Yes.
Use the filter (funnel) icon just above the column headers of your data grid, per screen snap below.
The sort (and/or filter) criteria will be saved from Toad launch to Toad launch for that object's data, until you change it or clear it.
Note, BTW, that I also changed the order of my RHS tabs in the Schema Browser so that the first thing I see when I highlight a table/view is the data in that object. 
