Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2008
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
9
Issue:
2

Editorial

2008 will be another significant year for Special Care Dentistry. We are very optimistic that the regulatory body for dentistry in the UK, the General Dental Council, will finally recognise the existence of the specialty by opening a Specialist List, later this year. Whilst all in the discipline will be delighted with this significant milestone, which gives due recognition to Special Care Dentistry in the UK at last, many dentists will be wondering about their eligibility for inclusion on that Specialist List. Whilst the mediation criteria for entry to the List are as yet unknown, the predecessor of the Specialist Advisory Committee, the Joint Advisory Committee for Special Care Dentistry, developed draft criteria and it is hoped that these will be helpful in the deliberations over eligibility, as was the case with other specialities. Dentists interested in viewing these draft criteria can access them via the website of the British Society for Disability and Oral Health (www.bsdh.org.uk). Apart from the regular meetings of special care dentistry organisations in individual countries, which are showcased in the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (IADH) magazine, 2008 will see the 19th biennial congress of the IADH in Santos, Brazil (www.iadh.org). This is an important forum –to update our knowledge, to give exposure to new research findings, to enable young researchers to present their work in a relevant context and above all, a time for meeting up with old friends and making new ones. So much of what is significant for many is what happens outside the lecture hall, in the discussions and sharing of problems and solutions to the daily challenges we all face. In an increasingly competitive world, if we are serious about the specialty and its distinct place amongst other disciplines, we need as individuals and groups to enhance our research efforts. A systematic review of the older literature pertaining to special care dentistry is at best at the level of ‘good practice guidelines’ and at worst, case reports of rare conditions that do not always include much other than novelty value as well as a relatively easy way to accumulate publications for the successful author. We must now publicise the increasing evidence-base for what we do - that means robust science and high quality papers. Potential authors need to read carefully the Journal’s Instructions to Authors (www.bsdh.org) since the criteria for inclusion are now much stricter in terms of adherence to international guidelines: on consent, ethical approval and conflict of interest, for example. As an editorial team, we do our very best to facilitate publication of your work but we are reliant on you to provide good quality material in the first place. Our referees make huge efforts to help authors in the review process but they need to be presented with results of high calibre. Worthy publications do not happen overnight; good research takes years in the planning and execution with many drafts before it is ready for publication. As well as general career support from those well established in the field of Special Care Dentistry, aspiring young researchers need focussed mentoring from those with experience in research. Many organisations now offer such support – the IADH website is one, the BSDH Teachers Group has such a forum – the rest is up to you! June Nunn, Editor Dublin, May 2008

To gain access to JDOH online: For BSDH members: Please go to www.jdohonline.org and Register. This will allow you to ensure your personal details are correct and to enable the creation of a password of your choosing.You will then receive an email confirming your details and that your account is active. You can then login and gain access to the online material. If you have any problems please email: support@shancocksltd.co.uk

For IADH members: Please go to www.jdohonline.org and Register. This will allow you to ensure your personal details are correct and to enable the creation of a password of your choosing.You will then receive an email confirming your details and that your account is active. Please then send an email to support@shancocksltd.co.uk requesting access to the online material and include ‘IADH Member’ in the subject of your email.

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£15.00
Page Start
50
Page End
50
Authors
J H Nunn

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 50
  3. 50

  1. Electromyographic evaluation of anterior temporalis and masseter muscles in patients with cerebral palsy before and after postural stabilisation
  2. 59
  3. 62

  1. Oral health status of teenagers and young adults with intellectual impairment in Athens, Greece
  2. 63
  3. 69

  1. An investigation of the association between gingival bleeding and consultations for cardiac, ENT and immunological problems in people with Down syndrome
  2. 73
  3. 80

  1. Preparedness of dental undergraduates for provision of care to individuals with special health care needs in Nigeria
  2. 81
  3. 86

  1. Conscious sedationthe only tool in the box?
  2. 97
  3. 94

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