In an era when clinicians are inundated with studies, guidelines and evolving best practices, the Journal of the California Dental Association is rolling out a coordinated effort to simplify how dental professionals access and understand emerging research. Editor-in-Chief Kerry K. Carney, DDS, CDE, says the shift comes at a time when heavy patient caseloads and demanding schedules leave clinicians very little time to read and fully absorb the latest medical research.
“Plus, the extensive amount of research available online makes it hard for anyone to read and decipher,” she said.
The Journal has launched several initiatives to address that challenge, including adopting the use of plain language across all Journal platforms. In fact, plain language is the centerpiece of the new initiatives, according to Dr. Carney.
“We want the Journal and its communications to be accessible to a broad audience – easy to find, read and understand,” she said, noting that the broad audience includes practicing dentists, dental and medical professionals, patients, public health stakeholders and policymakers. “The goal is to make information accessible for everyone, not just experts or academia.”
What exactly is plain language?
Per the Harvard Catalyst Writing and Communication Center, plain language is clear writing “that an audience can understand the first time they hear or read it.” Consequently, plain language increases the chances of connecting with the reader and conveying a communication’s intended message.
Similarly, Taylor & Francis, the Journal’s publisher, defines plain language as the use of simple words and a logical structure that avoids “unnecessary jargon and complex terms.” While the term “simple words” might evoke memories of elementary school lessons, Carney explains that plain language isn’t a “dumbing down” of research.
“It’s about replacing academic and scientific jargon with words or explanations that can be understood by anyone outside of that particular field,” she said.
Plain language initiatives
The first initiative aligns with the Journal’s overarching goal to increase accessibility, transparency and engagement for a broader audience. As of August 2025, authors are required to include a brief knowledge transfer statement with all Journal submissions. Knowledge transfer statements explain in plain language how the research findings can be applied to clinical decision-making, dental or medical practice or health policies. “A well-written KTS closes the gaps between research, the practicing dentist, their patients, and the public,” Carney said.
Expanding on that requirement, the Journal will begin publishing plain language summaries with select manuscripts starting in January. A plain language summary is a clear and concise explanation of a study’s purpose, importance and key findings. It serves as an extension to the academic abstract, using nontechnical language to make the research accessible to a wider audience, according to Taylor & Francis. The plain language summaries will be incorporated into the Journal’s submission requirements incrementally in 2026.
“Our goal is for all Journal articles to be accompanied by plain language summaries by the end of 2026,” Carney said.
In the Journal: New evidence-based research
A rare case
Solitary neurofibromas of the oral cavity are relatively rare. This case report presents a unique clinical manifestation of a solitary neurofibroma in the anterior hard palate, a site that has not yet been documented in literature for nonsyndromic neurofibromas. Read “A Rare Presentation: Solitary Neurofibroma of the Anterior Hard Palate.”
Dental student awareness
Are dental students prepared to identify victims of human trafficking? This study found that students in all five surveyed countries lacked adequate awareness, raising concerns for a profession that serves as a mandated reporter for child abuse. Read “Global Probe: What Dental Students Know About Human Trafficking.”
Editorial: Dentists touched by addiction need support, too
Statistics show that most people, including dentists, know someone struggling with substance abuse. Learn why ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler says dentists are “notorious co-dependents” who could benefit from a support group like Al-Anon. Read “Staying Afloat in the Ripples of Addiction.”
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C.E. courses
Dentists can earn .05 C.E. units by reading a Journal article and taking a short quiz. Browse the Journal C.E. catalog for more than two dozen courses. Free to CDA members; $25 per course for nonmembers.