I don't know for sure. I have a publication and have presented a three professional meetings but, my research is chemistry-related so, I don't think that will make a big difference when applying to dental school/specialty programs. I haven't even been asked about my research at any of my interviews... in fact, I don't think my interviewers had enough background info to really know what I'm doing, unfortunately. It might be a different story if my research was dentistry-related. If anything, I think that research shows that you are self-motivated, can work independently and use critical-thinking. It also shows a breadth of experience/well-roundedness. But honestly, I don't think it will be a determining factor.