Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the equality between key words used in the Journal of Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Methods: A total of 666 English key words in 187 papers (average 3.5 words in a paper) from 2001 to 2014 were eligible for this study. We classified them according to matched, and non-matched terms. After descriptive analysis, we assayed patterns of errors in using MeSH, and reviewed frequently used non-MeSH terms. Results: Fifty nine point six percent (59.6%) of total key words were completely coincident with MeSH terms, 40.39% were not MeSH terms. Conclusions: The results show that the coincidence rate of key words with MeSH terms was at a moderate level. However, there is a need for us to understand MeSH more specifically and accurately. Use of proper key words aligned with the international standards such as MeSH is important to be properly cited. The authors should pay attention and be educated on correct use of MeSH as key words.