The lowdown on writing an article

Although talking about a topic comes easy to most, putting pen to paper to produce an article is often a different story. Stringing together sentences in a way that engages the reader can be a tricky and frustrating process, particularly if you have little or no experience in publishing.

And writing an article is not just about the words. Research, anecdotes and an interesting topic all play a part in the successful construction of an engaging read. But where to start? The art of writing is something that everybody can conquer with a little bit of hard work and practice.

Finding a dental-related topic to write about can be the trickiest part. The best way to start is writing about something you understand – your day-to-day working life, a dental charity you support or a guide to good clinical protocols and skills you have honed. Fellow professionals can be a great source of inspiration and looking through dental journals or attending courses and dental events helps you to understand what topics are popular – and which ones need highlighting. If it is a common subject, however, try to approach it at a different angle. It can also help to think about what is important about each topic idea you have and what can be learnt from them. Once whittled down, make sure it is one that interests you; writing an article on a subject you find dull means it is likely your writing will lack enthusiasm.