Literature Citations

When referencing a journal, list the last name(s) and initials(s) of the author(s), article title, journal abbreviation (according to Index Medicus), year, volume number, and pagination—for example: Johnson RE, Smith BS.  A single-appointment whitening procedure:  Research findings.  Gen Dent 2000; 48:1-5.

For book citations, list the last name(s) and initial(s) of the author(s) or editor(s); book title; edition number, if available; city state, and name of publisher; year; and specific page(s)—for example: Smith BS, Jones TA.  Beyond the gingiva, ed. 3.  Chicago:  James Printing Co.;2000:123-125.

For material from the internet, list the last name(s) and initial(s) of the author(s) or editor(s); title; specific URL where the material was found, and the date the material was accessed for the article—for example: Chesney M.  Methamphetamines:  An epidemic of clandestine labs and health risks.  Available at:  http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/meth/lab/mchesley.pdf.  Accessed July 5, 2005.

Lecture citations should include the name of the speaker, topic, and statement that the reference is a lecture; occasion, location, and date of the lecture—for example: Brown TJ.  Removable prosthodontics and the new esthetic renaissance.  Lecture.  Academy of General Dentistry Annual Meeting.  Chicago, August 1, 2000.

If citing a bulletin, list the name of the author(s), if given; bulletin title or similar information; place of publication (unless it is Washington, D.C.); name of the issuing bureau, agency, or department; date; and page(s)—for example: Russell TP.  Caries eradication in the 90s.  Atlanta:  Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;1991;publication No. 7-99.

Personal observations or communications should be used sparingly. To cite them, list the name and location of the person who initiated the communication and the date the communication was sent—for example: Wyatt RJ.  Personal communication, Chicago, Illinois;June 1, 2001.

For more information about citing, please reference the AMA Manual of Style.