I think it's all about DAT and GPA.
If you are just starting school, then you have a ton of control over both of them.
If you are finishing up undergrad and your GPA isn't high, then you need to kick a$$ on the DAT to make up for the low GPA.
If you have an 18 on the DAT, don't waste your time trying to figure out angles to get in with a low DAT score... study for the freaking test and take it again and improve your score. You can get better at the subjects on the test, but the test will not get any harder. If you put the effort in, you'll see results. If you can't do well on the DAT after months of studying with all your free time, then look into other things because tests in dental school are way harder than the DAT was.