Editorial Policy

The Libyan Journal of Dentistry (LJD) is committed to the highest standards of editorial independence, scholarly integrity, and transparency. This document sets out the policies that govern how manuscripts are handled from submission to publication and how editorial decisions are made.

Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions at LJD are made solely on the basis of the scientific merit, ethical conduct, and relevance of the work submitted. They are independent of commercial interests, advertising, institutional pressure, the personal characteristics of the authors, and any external influence. The Editor-in-Chief holds final authority over all publication decisions.

Editorial Workflow

Every manuscript follows the same structured pathway from submission to decision.

1. Submission and Acknowledgement

Authors submit the manuscript with a separate title page, anonymized main file, cover letter, completed checklist, and required forms. The editorial office acknowledges receipt within five working days.

2. Technical Screening

The editorial office checks scope, formatting, anonymization, ethical declarations, and similarity index. Manuscripts that do not meet basic requirements are returned to the corresponding author for revision before proceeding.

3. Assignment to a Handling Editor

The Editor-in-Chief assigns the manuscript to a handling editor whose expertise matches the subject of the work. The handling editor evaluates whether the manuscript warrants external peer review.

4. External Peer Review

The handling editor invites at least two independent expert reviewers under the journal's double-anonymized system. Reviewers are asked to provide a structured assessment within an agreed timeframe.

5. Editorial Decision

On the basis of the reviewers' reports and the handling editor's own assessment, the Editor-in-Chief issues one of four decisions: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. Reviewer reports (anonymized) are shared with the corresponding author.

6. Revision and Re-evaluation

Where revisions are requested, authors are given 30 days (minor) or 60 days (major) to submit a revised manuscript with a point-by-point response. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers or to additional reviewers as the handling editor deems appropriate.

7. Acceptance and Publication

Accepted manuscripts proceed to copy-editing, typesetting, and publication. The version of record is assigned a DOI and published online under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence.

Decision Criteria

Editorial decisions are based on a balanced assessment of four factors:

  • Scientific quality — soundness of methodology, validity of the analysis, and reliability of the conclusions.
  • Ethical compliance — adherence to ICMJE, COPE, and the journal's own ethics policies, including informed consent, ethical approval, and conflict of interest disclosure.
  • Reviewer recommendations — the technical assessment provided by the appointed reviewers, though reviewers are not required to agree and editorial judgement remains independent.
  • Journal relevance — fit with the scope of LJD and the interests of its readership.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors who believe an editorial decision is the result of a substantive error or oversight may submit a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief within 14 days of the decision letter. The appeal must include a clear statement of the grounds and any supporting evidence.

The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with one or more members of the Editorial Board not previously involved with the manuscript, reviews the appeal within 30 days. Decisions reached after appeal are final.

Complaints regarding the editorial process, the conduct of reviewers or editors, or alleged breaches of publication ethics are handled in accordance with COPE flowcharts. Complaints may be directed in confidence to [email protected].

Complaint about scientific content (e.g. an appeal against rejection)

The Editor-in-Chief or the handling editor considers the author's argument and the reviewer reports, and decides whether: (a) the decision to reject should stand; (b) an additional independent opinion is required; or (c) the appeal should be upheld. The complainant is informed of the decision, with an explanation where appropriate. Decisions on appeals are final, and new submissions take priority over appeals.

Complaint about processes (e.g. time taken to review)

The Editor-in-Chief and the handling editor investigate the matter and give the complainant appropriate feedback. Findings are used to improve processes and procedures.

Complaint about publication ethics (e.g. author, reviewer, or editor conduct)

The Editor-in-Chief or handling editor handles the complaint with reference to the COPE flowcharts. The editor may seek advice from the publisher (Faculty of Dentistry) in complex matters. The editor reaches a final decision and communicates the outcome to the complainant. Where the complainant remains dissatisfied, they may escalate the complaint in writing to [email protected].

Open Access and Fees

LJD operates on a Diamond open-access model. The journal does not charge submission, processing, or publication fees of any kind. All articles are freely available online from the date of publication under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence.

Approval and Authority

This Editorial Policy has been approved by the Editorial Board of the Libyan Journal of Dentistry. It is reviewed at least every two years, or more frequently in response to changes in international best practice, indexing requirements, or the journal's strategic direction.