Launched in 2015, BDJ Open, the newest addition to the BDJ Portfolio, does exactly what it says on the tin. Created to give open access to oral health research from a multitude of backgrounds and disciplines, BDJ Open offers authors – both aspiring and established – a further opportunity to have their work published. In the words of Head of Academic Journals David Bull, ‘there has been a significant rise in demand for open research from both researchers and practicing dentists. To fit this need, we are delighted to see the launch of a new journal, BDJ Open – the latest venture in our 18 year partnership with the British Dental Association.’

We spoke to Editor-in-Chief Stephen Hancocks OBE about why BDJ Open will bring a new flavour to an established household name in the dental world.

Hello Stephen. What is BDJ Open's unique selling point?

Each and every year we get in the region of 800 papers submitted to us for inclusion in the BDJ. For space reasons, we can only publish somewhere around 150 of those, which leaves a significant amount of high-quality research unpublished in the BDJ. I can say first-hand how exciting and promising some of those research papers are, and BDJ Open offers authors the opportunity to have their work published in the BDJ portfolio with the added benefit of open access.

Why should authors take note of the open access to the journal?

There is a growing trend towards open access documentation, and BDJ Open provides us with the conduit to offer peer-reviewed, translational research in all aspects of oral health development for the benefit of the wider dental community in particular and, of course, the world in general. The BDJ has a wide international appeal, and this is a perfect opportunity for our international colleagues to present some of their fine research to a worldwide audience.

What will authors gain from submitting a paper?

I must admit the recent Euro Perio conference highlighted how well-known and well-received the BDJ is globally, and authors accepted for BDJ Open will be able to take advantage of the gravitas the title comes with. As we are in our infancy there is no impact factor yet, but we are confident that when we get one it will be at the very least on par with the BDJ.

What do authors need to know about BDJ Open?

My question would be what do they want to obtain by submitting research. There is a fee involved which is £1,300 and competitively priced at that. The lure of open access coupled with the BDJ's global reputation has truly excited contributors to date.

What three pieces of advice would you give to anyone considering submitting a paper?

Good question. My first would be to have good, scientific method to the research. So often interesting topics lack the direction to really explore the subject in compelling detail, and those assets are what BDJ Open will come to represent.

I would also say make the research relevant to oral health. This may sound obvious, but it is certainly worth reiterating. The stronger the link to oral health the better. Presenting research on a material that can be used in oral health equipment may not entice readers as much as research on perio, orthodontics or paediatrics.

Finally I would say if you have new, innovative research that goes against rhetoric seen before, BDJ Open is an excellent avenue for this. If you have any questions, please do contact me and I can provide clarity.

If you wish to contact BDJ Open please email bdjopen@nature.com. Guidelines on how to get published can be found here.