Author Guidelines

Bali Dental Journal — Updated 2025

Bali Dental Journal (BDJ) welcomes submissions of original, unpublished manuscripts related to dentistry and oral health sciences. All submissions must comply with these guidelines and meet the ethical standards outlined by COPE, ICMJE, the Declaration of Helsinki, and WAME. Manuscripts that do not conform to the requirements will be returned to the authors prior to peer review. Authors are strongly encouraged to read these guidelines carefully before submitting.

1. Article Types

Original Research Article

Reports of complete, original empirical studies. Must include structured abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.

Max words: 4,500 (excl. references)

Abstract: Structured, max 250 words

References: Max 30

Figures/Tables: Max 6 combined

Case Report

Detailed reports of one or more clinical cases with unique features, diagnostic challenges, or novel treatment approaches. Must follow CARE reporting guidelines.

Max words: 2,500 (excl. references)

Abstract: Unstructured, max 150 words

References: Max 15

Figures/Tables: Max 5 combined

Review Article

Systematic or narrative reviews that critically synthesize existing literature. Systematic reviews must follow PRISMA guidelines. Scoping reviews must follow PRISMA-ScR.

Max words: 6,000 (excl. references)

Abstract: Structured, max 300 words

References: Max 60

Figures/Tables: Max 8 combined

Short Communication

Concise reports of pilot studies, preliminary findings, or focused observations that warrant rapid dissemination without full-length manuscript treatment.

Max words: 2,000 (excl. references)

Abstract: Unstructured, max 150 words

References: Max 10

Figures/Tables: Max 2 combined

Letter to the Editor

Brief critical commentary on a previously published BDJ article, or a concise scientific observation. Letters may receive a response from the original authors.

Max words: 800

Abstract: Not required

References: Max 5

Figures/Tables: Max 1

Technical Note

Description of new techniques, instruments, materials, or modifications to existing methods in dentistry, with sufficient detail for reproducibility.

Max words: 2,000

Abstract: Unstructured, max 150 words

References: Max 15

Figures/Tables: Max 5 combined

2. Language & Formatting

Language: All manuscripts must be written in clear, grammatically correct English (American or British, applied consistently). Authors whose native language is not English are strongly encouraged to have their manuscript professionally edited or proofread before submission. Manuscripts with poor language quality may be returned without review.

File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx). PDF submissions are not accepted for initial review.

Font: Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced throughout.

Margins: 2.5 cm (1 inch) on all sides.

Page numbers: Consecutive, starting from the title page.

Line numbers: Continuous line numbering must be enabled for all submissions to facilitate peer review.

Template: Authors are encouraged to use the BDJ manuscript template available on the journal website.

3. Manuscript Structure

3.1 Title Page (separate file)

The title page must be submitted as a separate file and must include: (1) full manuscript title (max 20 words, concise and informative); (2) running title (max 50 characters); (3) full names of all authors with degrees; (4) institutional affiliations for each author; (5) corresponding author's name, institutional address, email address, and telephone number; (6) ORCID iD for all authors; (7) word count (body text excluding abstract and references); (8) number of figures and tables; (9) any acknowledgments; (10) funding sources; (11) conflict of interest statement.

3.2 Abstract & Keywords

Structured abstract (Original Research, Review): Sections: Background, Objective, Materials and Methods, Results, Conclusion. Each section labeled in bold.

Unstructured abstract (Case Report, Short Communication, Technical Note): A single paragraph without subheadings.

Keywords: 3–6 keywords following the abstract, separated by semicolons. Use terms from MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) where applicable: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/

3.3 Introduction

Provide background and rationale for the study. State the research question or hypothesis clearly. Briefly describe what is already known and what gap the study addresses. The introduction should end with a clear statement of the study objective(s). Do not include data or conclusions in this section.

3.4 Materials and Methods

Describe the study design, setting, participants (inclusion/exclusion criteria), interventions, materials, and statistical methods in sufficient detail to allow replication. State ethical approval (including the name of the ethics committee and approval number). For human studies, confirm that informed consent was obtained. For clinical trials, provide the registration number and registry name.

Reporting guidelines: CONSORT (RCT), STROBE (observational), PRISMA (systematic review), CARE (case report).

3.5 Results

Present results in a logical sequence in text, tables, and figures. Do not duplicate data in both tables and figures. Report statistical results with exact p-values (e.g., p = 0.032, not p < 0.05) along with appropriate measures of uncertainty (confidence intervals). Do not interpret or discuss findings in this section.

3.6 Discussion

Interpret the findings in the context of existing literature. Discuss clinical implications, strengths, limitations, and future directions. Avoid repeating results. The discussion should begin by briefly summarizing the main finding and end with a conclusion paragraph.

3.7 Conclusion

State the main conclusions of the study clearly. Conclusions must be supported by the data presented. Avoid overgeneralizing findings. If appropriate, include recommendations for clinical practice or future research.

4. References

BDJ uses the Vancouver referencing style (numbered, in order of appearance). References should be cited in the text using Arabic numerals in superscript (e.g., ^1,2,3). References must be accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Personal communications, unpublished data, and websites should be avoided as references where possible; if essential, cite them in the text in parentheses, not in the reference list.

Examples:

Journal article:
Susilo BW, Rahaswanti LAW, Prasetya MA. Clinical outcomes of resin-based composites in posterior teeth: a 2-year follow-up. Bali Dent J. 2023;7(1):12–19.

Book chapter:
Walton RE, Torabinejad M. Principles and practice of endodontics. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2009. Chapter 5, Diagnosis; p. 54–70.

Online source:
World Health Organization. Oral health [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2023 [cited 2024 Jan 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health

5. Figures & Tables

Figures

Submit figures as separate image files (TIFF or EPS preferred; JPEG acceptable for photographs). Minimum resolution: 300 dpi for photographs, 600 dpi for line art. Each figure must have a caption (placed below the figure). Figures should be cited consecutively in the text (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.). Clinical photographs of patients must be accompanied by written patient consent. Intraoral photographs must be anonymized if the patient is identifiable.

Tables

Tables must be created in Word format (not as images). Each table must have a descriptive title placed above the table. Use horizontal lines only; avoid vertical lines. Statistical abbreviations must be defined in a table footnote. Tables must be cited consecutively in the text (Table 1, Table 2, etc.).

6. Policy on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Important Notice — Effective 2025

Bali Dental Journal follows the guidelines of COPE, ICMJE, and WAME on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in scholarly work. The following rules apply to all submissions:

6.1 AI Cannot Be Listed as an Author

AI tools and large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and similar technologies do not meet the ICMJE criteria for authorship and must not be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship requires the ability to take accountability for the work, which AI cannot do. Any attempt to list an AI as an author will result in automatic rejection of the manuscript.

6.2 Disclosure of AI Use is Mandatory

Authors who use AI tools in the preparation of their manuscript must disclose this use. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of AI for: drafting or paraphrasing text, generating ideas or outlines, analyzing data, creating figures or images, translating content, or language polishing/proofreading.

How to disclose: Include a statement in a dedicated section titled "Use of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies" placed after the Acknowledgments and before the References. Example:

"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [Tool Name] to [specific purpose, e.g., improve readability of the discussion section / translate an initial draft from Indonesian to English]. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as necessary and take full responsibility for the content of the submitted work."

6.3 AI in Data Analysis

The use of AI-based software for data analysis (e.g., machine learning algorithms, deep learning models for image analysis) must be described in the Materials and Methods section with sufficient detail for reproducibility, including the name, version, and any parameters used. Authors must validate AI-generated analytical results and take full responsibility for the accuracy of the findings.

6.4 AI-Generated Images

The submission of AI-generated images that are presented as clinical photographs, histological images, or radiographs without clear disclosure is considered a form of research misconduct and image fabrication. Any AI-generated illustration must be clearly labeled as such in its caption (e.g., "Image generated with [Tool Name] for illustrative purposes only"). AI-generated clinical or diagnostic images are not accepted as primary data.

6.5 Author Responsibility

Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of their work, regardless of whether AI tools were used in its preparation. AI tools may produce inaccurate, fabricated, or biased content; authors must critically verify all AI-generated content before submission. Failure to disclose AI use or the submission of AI-generated content as original human work may result in rejection, retraction, or reporting to the author's institution.

7. Ethics & Research Integrity

Ethical approval: All research involving human subjects must have been approved by a recognized institutional ethics committee (Komite Etik/KEPK or equivalent). The approval number and issuing institution must be stated in the Methods. BDJ adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki for research involving human participants.

Informed consent: Authors must confirm that written informed consent was obtained from all patients or legal guardians for research studies and case reports. For case reports, a Patient Consent Form (downloadable from the BDJ website) must be submitted alongside the manuscript.

Animal research: Studies involving animals must comply with institutional guidelines and national regulations for the care and use of laboratory animals. The approval from the relevant animal ethics committee must be stated.

Clinical trial registration: Clinical trials must be registered in a publicly accessible registry (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, or ISRCTN) before the first patient is enrolled. The registration number must appear in the Abstract and Methods sections.

8. Authorship Criteria

BDJ follows the ICMJE criteria for authorship. To qualify as an author, individuals must meet ALL FOUR of the following criteria:

1. Substantial Contribution

Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work, or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.

2. Drafting or Revising

Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content.

3. Final Approval

Approval of the final version to be published.

4. Accountability

Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to accuracy or integrity are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Individuals who do not meet all four criteria (e.g., funding providers, technicians, department heads who did not contribute intellectually) should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section, not listed as authors. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors have approved the final manuscript and have agreed to the submission. Changes to authorship after submission must be justified in writing and approved by the editorial office.

9. Conflict of Interest & Funding

All authors must disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest that could have influenced the research or its interpretation. A "Conflict of Interest" statement must be included on the title page. If no conflicts exist, state: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Funding sources must be fully acknowledged. Specify the role of the funding body in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and writing. If the funder had no such role, state this explicitly.

10. Plagiarism & Originality

All submitted manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using iThenticate / Turnitin prior to peer review. The maximum acceptable similarity index is 20%, excluding the reference list, quotations, and common phrases. Manuscripts exceeding this threshold will be returned to the authors without review.

Self-plagiarism (duplication of one's own previously published work without citation) is also treated as a violation of publication ethics. Manuscripts under simultaneous review at another journal will be rejected.

11. Submission Process

Prepare Files per Guidelines

Upload Manuscript + Title Page

Peer Review (Double-Blind)

Decision & Publication

All submissions must be made through the BDJ Online Submission System at www.balidentaljournal.org. Manuscripts submitted via email will not be accepted.

Required files at submission:

• Anonymized main manuscript (Word, .docx)
• Title page with author details (separate Word file)
• Cover letter to the Editor-in-Chief
• Figures (individual image files, min 300 dpi)
• Completed Author Checklist
• Patient Consent Form (for case reports/clinical photographs)
• Ethics approval letter (if applicable)

Questions about submission?

Contact the Editorial Office for assistance.

nitha_dewi@unud.ac.id