Abstract
As I write this editorial, the first printed issue of the 2016 journal is arriving in your mailbox. Issue 33:2 contains a diverse group of articles, some of which are “firsts,” including a case report of a ferret with oral melanoma, a study on the use of buprenorphine with bupivacaine in regional nerve blocks, a study of TMJ morphology using computed tomography, comparison of treatments for equine periodontitis, and an enlightening review of comparative oral microbiomes.
It has been a great experience working with the team at Sage Publications, and this partnership has resulted in electronic resources that I want to make you aware of. Together we have launched a platform for electronic submission and review of manuscripts at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jovd. We hope this resource will allow for a more rapid turnaround time during the many steps involved in the review process. Tracking of turnaround time, acceptance rates, and types of submissions will be very straightforward with this electronic system.
Another electronic resource is found at jovd.sagepub.com. This is the new electronic home of the current issue of the journal. Many past issues can also be accessed here. Also, by signing up for the OnlineFirst feature, you can be notified when future articles are available online before they are scheduled to appear in print. Sign up at http://jov.sagepub.com/site/subscriptions/etoc.xhtml. Why is it “JOVD” in the web address rather than the “JVD” abbreviation we are all accustomed to? Each journal that Sage publishes has an abbreviation for internal use, and Sage has already published a “JVD” (Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation). The JOVD website will be refreshed at least quarterly to allow F4VD members to access the most current issues electronically. I look forward to leveraging the new website to allow it to become a destination for all things regarding veterinary dentistry. Toward that goal, we will embark on a series of podcasts, entitled “Veterinary Dentistry Matters.” The first podcast will include an interview with JOVD Editor Emeritus, Mark M. Smith, VMD, DACVS, DAVDC. Look for this podcast in the coming months, and others to follow. The podcast series will initially shed light on some of the leaders in our field of dentistry and oral surgery. Along the way, I hope to provide listeners not only with the story behind the manuscripts we’ve loved throughout the years but also a candid look at the people who have shaped our profession.
My goal as an editor is to provide something of interest to each reader in each issue of the journal, regardless of the reader’s current understanding of, or occupation related to, veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. I have sought opinions from F4VD members regarding what the “perfect” JOVD looks like in their minds. Not surprisingly, I have found opinions at both ends of the spectrum. Some people I’ve spoken with feel the JOVD should be more clinical and less scientific in its focus. Others feel the JOVD has, in some cases, lacked the scientific focus of other journals they’ve become accustomed to reading. This tells me that we have a diverse readership, and each issue should contain a variety of different types of submissions. Keep up the good work in submitting diverse manuscripts!
I look forward to discussing the future trajectory of the JOVD with you at the upcoming Veterinary Dental Forum in Minneapolis, September 29 to October 2, 2016. During the lunch break on Saturday, October 1, Dan Ruth (Senior Acquisitions Editor from Sage Publications) and I will host an open discussion with reviewers, past editors, those interested in becoming reviewers, and anyone with a particular interest in the JOVD. Some of the topics likely to be discussed include an overview of the electronic submission and review process, consideration of a name change that includes “oral surgery,” discussion of the possibility of associate editors, and whatever questions arise from attendees.
It’s a great time to be a member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry! Printed journal, online journal access, e-publications in advance of new print versions, podcasts, and discounts to the Veterinary Dental Forum are just a few of the benefits. Visit www.f4vd.com for more information. Until the next issue, happy reading, and if you have any questions or comments, drop me an e-mail at
