I would become a member of your college's predental society and ,if you have time, be actively involved. Research is not all that necessary to most of the schools, however, I don't think it really matters what the discipline is(i.e. Chemistry, Biology etc.) I would talk to my bio or chem department about that. As far as establishing contacts, the best way is to phone a few dental offices and shadow them. Also, call the schools you will be applying to and ask if you can take a look around or go on a formal tour. But remember, the main thing that is going to look good on your app is grades and DATs. All the other crap is a waste of time if you don't have those two key ingredients.