Better to go to community college then transfer?

hi guys, i would like to know if it would be better for me to go to a JC then transfer to a 4 year, i am a senior in california and i know i want to be a dentist, so i know that i need good test scores for good schools, but what i do not know is if its better to transfer or not, as of right now, i have a 2.6 unweighted and 2.8 weighted gpa. i know i can land at least a 3.0 this semester, and work harder for a 4.2 next semester. my sat is a 1360, and i want to improve, i also want to try and receive a NROTC scholarship to help pay for my undergrad and grad, but i am just terribly confused about what to do, so if you guys dont mind helping me out, i would very much appreciate it. thanks and have a great day!