Abstract: A planarization process in which an organic film prevents oxide dishing during the chemical mechanical polishing step. In the planarization process an organic film having high CMP selectivity to silicon dioxide is spun over silicon dioxide. A patterned mask is then placed over the organic film and the exposed portions of the organic film are etched away. The remaining portions of the organic film prevent oxide dishing during chemical mechanical polishing because the high CMP selectivity of the organic film to silicon dioxide stops the etching before oxide dishing occurs. The organic film may then be oxygen ashed off the planarized surface if so desired.