Complaint and Appeal Policy

Journal of Dental Sciences and Education (JDSE) and MediHealth Academy are committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, independently, transparently, and in accordance with recognized publication ethics principles.

Complaints and appeals are regarded as important mechanisms for maintaining editorial accountability and improving the Journal's policies and procedures.

JDSE follows relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when evaluating complaints, appeals, and allegations concerning editorial or publication processes.

1. Scope

This policy applies to complaints and appeals concerning, but not limited to:

• Editorial decisions;
• Peer-review procedures;
• Editorial delays or administrative processes;
• Conduct of editors, reviewers, editorial board members, or Journal staff;
• Undisclosed or inadequately managed conflicts of interest;
• Breaches of confidentiality;
• Alleged reviewer or editorial misconduct;
• Publication ethics concerns;
• Corrections, retractions, or other post-publication decisions;
• Journal policies or procedures; and
• Conduct or decisions attributable to the Publisher.

Complaints involving allegations of research or publication misconduct may also be evaluated under JDSE's Research and Publication Ethics policies.

2. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they believe that a significant scientific, methodological, ethical, or procedural issue has been misunderstood, overlooked, or incorrectly assessed.

An appeal should:

• Clearly identify the manuscript and editorial decision concerned;
• Explain the specific grounds for the appeal;
• Address the relevant editorial or reviewer comments;
• Provide scientific evidence or documentation supporting reconsideration; and
• Be written in a professional and respectful manner.

Appeals should not consist solely of disagreement with reviewer opinions or the editorial decision. Authors should demonstrate a substantive reason why reconsideration is warranted.

The submission of an appeal does not guarantee that the original editorial decision will be changed.

3. Submission of Complaints and Appeals

Complaints and appeals should be submitted in writing to:

JDSE Editorial Office
E-mail: [email protected]

The communication should include, where applicable:

• The complainant's full name and contact information;
• Manuscript title and manuscript identification number;
• A clear description of the complaint or appeal;
• Relevant dates;
• Supporting documentation or correspondence; and
• The outcome or remedy being requested.

Anonymous allegations may be considered where sufficient evidence is provided to permit a meaningful investigation.

4. Initial Assessment

Receipt of a complaint or appeal should normally be acknowledged within 5 business days.

The Journal will conduct an initial assessment to determine:

• The nature and scope of the matter;
• Whether additional documentation is required;
• Whether a conflict of interest exists;
• Who should conduct the review; and
• Whether the matter falls under another JDSE policy, such as research misconduct, peer review, conflict of interest, or post-publication corrections.

Complex cases may require additional time, consultation, or external expertise.

5. Independent Review

Whenever possible, an appeal or complaint will be evaluated by an editor or senior editorial representative who was not directly involved in the original decision or matter under dispute.

Individuals with a relevant conflict of interest must not participate in the investigation or determination of the complaint or appeal.

For appeals concerning an editorial decision, the reviewing editor may:

• Reconsider the existing editorial record;
• Review the original peer-review reports;
• Request clarification from reviewers;
• Obtain additional independent peer review; or
• Seek advice from a methodological, statistical, ethical, or other specialist expert.

The purpose of an appeal review is to determine whether the original decision was reached through an appropriate, fair, and scientifically justified process.

6. Complaints Concerning Editors, Reviewers, or Journal Staff

Complaints regarding the conduct of reviewers, editors, editorial board members, or Journal staff will be assessed independently whenever practicable.

Such complaints may include allegations of:

• Bias or inappropriate conduct;
• Breach of confidentiality;
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest;
• Misuse of unpublished information;
• Inappropriate or disrespectful reviewer comments;
• Manipulation of the peer-review process; or
• Failure to follow Journal policies.

If misconduct is substantiated, JDSE may take appropriate corrective action in accordance with its publication ethics policies.

7. Complaints Concerning the Editor-in-Chief

Complaints concerning the conduct or decision-making of the Editor-in-Chief must not be adjudicated solely by the Editor-in-Chief.

Such matters will be referred to an independent senior editor, Ethics Editor, Ombudsperson, or an appropriate representative of MediHealth Academy who has not been directly involved in the matter and has no relevant conflict of interest.

8. Complaints Concerning the Publisher

Complaints relating specifically to the conduct, policies, or activities of MediHealth Academy as Publisher will be reviewed independently from the routine editorial decision-making process.

Where appropriate, such complaints may be referred to a designated publisher representative, Ethics Committee, or independent advisor.

The Publisher must not interfere with the scientific evaluation of manuscripts or use the complaint process to influence editorial decisions.

9. Publication Ethics Complaints

Allegations involving plagiarism, data fabrication or falsification, image manipulation, authorship disputes, peer-review manipulation, undisclosed conflicts of interest, unethical research, or other forms of publication misconduct will be investigated in accordance with applicable JDSE policies and relevant COPE guidance.

Depending on the circumstances, JDSE may:

• Request clarification or documentation from the parties involved;
• Consult relevant editors or independent experts;
• Contact authors' or reviewers' institutions when appropriate;
• Seek advice from research integrity or ethics bodies;
• Issue corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions where warranted; or
• Take other actions necessary to protect the integrity of the scientific record.

10. Outcome and Communication

The Journal will communicate the outcome of the review to the complainant or appellant in writing.

The response should explain, where appropriate:

• The issue reviewed;
• The process followed;
• The conclusion reached; and
• Any corrective action to be taken.

JDSE aims to resolve complaints and appeals as promptly as reasonably possible. However, complex ethical or research integrity cases may require additional time for investigation.

11. Further Review

If a complainant believes that the Journal's internal complaint procedure has not adequately addressed a procedural or ethical concern, the matter may be referred to an independent Ombudsperson, Ethics Editor, Publisher Ethics Committee, or other appropriate independent body.

Where JDSE or MediHealth Academy is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), eligible unresolved complaints may be referred to COPE in accordance with COPE's applicable procedures after the Journal's internal complaints process has been completed.

COPE should not be presented as an alternative appellate body for disagreement with the scientific merits of an editorial decision.

12. Final Editorial Decision

Following completion of the appropriate appeal procedure, the decision reached by the independent reviewing editor or designated editorial authority will normally be considered final.

Repeated appeals presenting no new scientific, ethical, or procedural information may not be reconsidered.

13. Protection Against Retaliation

Individuals who raise complaints or publication ethics concerns in good faith will not be disadvantaged solely because they have raised such concerns.

JDSE expects all parties involved in complaints and appeals to communicate professionally and in good faith.