What are some things that can be an advantage when applying to dental schools? Aside from grades and shadowing hours, what can make an application competitive?
Actual hands on dental experience such as assisting. If you can't do that, look into a summer pre-dental program at a dental school that will allow you to work on typodonts and get your hands dirty. Community service work, especially with undeserved populations, is also looked upon very favorably.