Primary Dental Journal
Background

History

The Primary Dental Journal commenced publication in 2012, as a successor to the FGDP(UK) publications “Primary Dental Care” and “Team in Practice”.

Since its inception it has been a themed professional development journal aimed at the whole primary care dental team, rather than an academic research journal. Initially the in-house editorial team commissioned all content but in 2014 the PDJ moved to a Guest Editor model, whereby an expert in that issue’s theme would commission the articles.

The PDJ is produced by a small staff team working with a small editorial team, supported by an Editorial Board. The Editor of the PDJ is the overall clinical lead.

Mission Statement

The Primary Dental Journal (PDJ) is a themed quarterly publication that aims to assist practitioners in their career development, and in doing so improve standards of patient care.

Aims

Each issue will enable all members of the dental team to improve an element of how they practise or reinforce an existing element of good practice.

The PDJ will publish research into general dental practice with the aim of advancing knowledge and/or improving standards within general dental practice

Characteristics

  • The PDJ is designed to be read and used by all Faculty members.
  • The PDJ is not an austere academic publication, nor is it a lightweight magazine.
  • The PDJ is the Journal of the FGDP(UK) and cannot bring itself into conflict with Faculty policies, standards or strategies, however where there is a genuine scientific debate it is appropriate to publish papers that are contrary to Faculty opinion.
  • The PDJ will build member loyalty and help to bring new members into the Faculty.
  • The PDJ will monitor and respond to changing trends in order to remain relevant to its readership
  • The PDJ will not be averse to utilising new ways of presenting content
  • The PDJ will seek to interface with other FGDP(UK) media(website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) to add value and to increase reader engagement.

Primary Dental Journal
Editorial Structure

The Primary Dental Journal is overseen by the Membership Affairs Committee (MAC) of the FGDP(UK). The Editor-in-Chief reports to the MACand is responsible for the production of the PDJ. The Editor in turn oversees the content production side of the editorial team to ensure that the PDJ is produced on time to the required standard.

The Core Editorial Team comprises:

  • Editor-in-Chief
  • Editor
  • Managing Editor
  • Clinical Editor
  • DCP Editor

PRODUCTION CONTENT

The Editor of the Primary Dental Journal
Role description

The Editor is a figurehead, representative and main spokesperson for the Primary Dental Journal. Responsible for setting the overall aims, strategy and direction of the journal, the Editor also leads the Editorial Board and is called upon to make authoritative and informed decisions about individual papers, authors or issues that arise. The Editor is a respected professional and someone of good standing within dentistry, with experience of academic publishing. The Editor will work closely with the Managing Editor, Clinical Editor, DCP Editor, Guest Editor and Editorial Board.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

To be the Editor of the Primary Dental Journal (PDJ).

Responsibilities to include:

  1. Acting as a figurehead and representative for the PDJ.
  2. Ensuring that the PDJ meets its aims.
  3. Upholding and building upon the reputation of the journal.
  4. Helping to ensure that the PDJ continues to be seen as one of the leading primary care dental journals and that it fulfils its own aims as well as those of the FDGP(UK).
  5. Helping to set the editorial strategy and determine the direction of the journal.
  6. Being the final arbiter on all clinical matters
  7. Suggesting appropriate themes and topics for upcoming issues.
  8. Identifying and making contact with potential Guest Editors, who will be responsible commissioning content for each issue
  9. Suggesting potential authors, columnists and peer reviewers, when appropriate.
  10. Working with and helping to build upon the Editorial Board.
  11. Chairing the annual Editorial Board meeting, participating in regular Editorial Team meetings, and ensuring that the Editorial Board has an appropriate mix of skills and knowledge.
  12. Agreeing or suggesting changes or improvements to processes, as necessary.
  13. Writing a short foreword/editorial piece for each issue.
  14. Responding to Letters to the Editor.
  15. Being available to offer opinions, advice or expertise to the Managing Editor, Guest Editor(s) and editorial team as needed.

Estimated Time Commitment

The anticipated time commitment isaround 1 day per month. Aside from editorial meetings the Editor is able to undertake this work at their convenience.

Remuneration

This post is not salaried, however an honorarium of £1,500 per quarter is offered. There is a 3 month time limit on claiming honoraria. The Editor is responsible for ensuring that all tax liabilities are met.

Duration of Appointment

This post is for 3 years in the first instance.

Termination of Appointment

The appointment may be terminated by either party with a minimum of three months’ notice.

To apply

To apply, please submit an up to date copy of your curriculum vitae, with an accompanying personal statement that draws attention to the experience that you believe makes you suitable for this role. Submit your application

If you would like to receive a sample copy of the PDJ in order to better inform your application, please

Recruitment Timetable

30 November 2016 / Applications deadline
December 2016 / Interviews and appointment
1 May 2017 / New Editor starts, shadowing Nairn Wilson for the August issue and providing leadership for the November issue onwards.
August 2017 / Final issue published under Nairn Wilson’s Editorship
November 2017 / First issue published under new Editor’s Editorship.