The dentist writing.

Because research dentists are far removed from formal training in scientific writing, the communication demands of dentistry become especially burdensome for them. Research dentists frequently can greatly benefit from a formal course in writing. This paper describes the philosophy, structure, and content of the professional writing course in the School of Dentistry at the University of California Los Angeles and suggests the major components such courses should have. The courses should be integral parts of the curriculum, should demonstrate the essential place of writing in scientific research, should make students sensitive to language in various contexts, and should emphasize a systematic approach to writing and revision.