First off, yes I do like ducks.
To the question it depends on the applicant. I got in my second time around. I gained more dental experience, participated in more community service activities and took the DAT again (doing much better). Schools like to see that you didnt get discouraged after not getting in the first time but you must look at weaknesses in your application and improve them. It is not fun wasting time and money with dental school applications and the wait for interviews and acceptances really sucks. Good luck quack.