Besides grades and standardized tests, community service projects, research opportunities and pre-dental experience with patients add dimension to your application. 

You may wish to do this during the summers in your home town/state. In the past, Eastern students have also volunteered during the school year with University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. 

Gateway to Dentistry is a great summer internship based on Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (Application for summer program is due in January).