ASDA features the journalistic talents and unique perspectives of its members — as well as professionals in the dental community — throughout the year. We’re always on the lookout for contributors or story ideas for the association’s print publications, Mouth and ASDA News, as well as our award-winning blog, Mouthing Off.
If you’re looking for a way to reach 17,000 of your peers, you’ve come to the right place!
Contributing is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Step 1: Complete this brief online form and an editor will contact you.
Step 2: Write an original article and send it to your editor when complete (we’ll give you a deadline, word count, some tips and help you along the way).
Step 3: Fill out a copyright form and get published.
If you have any questions, please contact Kim Schneider, Communications Editor or the ASDA Editor-in-Chief, Colleen Greene.
Choose Your Writing Style
News Story (800 words) — Reports the facts of an event or issue with no bias … just clear, concise, timely, balanced reporting. Purpose is simply to inform the reader.
Feature Story (2,000 words) — Similar to a regular news story, but more in-depth. Includes creative expression in the lead and throughout, but without editorializing. Often these stories are “soft,” meaning the time element isn’t essential, and there’s a human-interest component.
Editorial/Opinion (600 words) — Covers a specific issue that explains, evaluates and persuades, expressing the writer’s opinion. It is important to remember that even though it is your opinion, your piece must still be based on facts, not assumptions. You should be able to back up what you say.
Column (600 words) — Discusses an issue or event, presenting it from the personal viewpoint of the writer, often offering advice.
Profile/Spotlight (800 words) — Reflects an interview with a person of interest in question and answer format.
Blog Post (150-300 words) — Quickly provides one nugget of information. Often more playful in style and voice, this can include links to webpages, photos and videos. Topics range from dental news to YouTube videos to chapter highlights.
Your "How-to" Author Guide
Download the Author Handbook for more detailed instructions and tips for writing, editing and submitting content for an ASDA publication.
Tips for Submitting a Good Article
- Use a lead paragraph to set the stage
- Address the 5 Ws: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
- Include research findings and stats when appropriate
- Stick to one idea per sentence
- Keep it simple — no need to blow the reader away with big words
- Incorporate photos