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Shaping the future of the BDJ Portfolio

Members told us what they value most about the six titles in the BDJ Portfolio and where they would like to see change. We are using that feedback to inform future developments.

Avijit Banerjee Editor in Chief BDJ Portfolio

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent survey on how and when you read the BDJ and the five other titles in the Portfolio. Your feedback has provided valuable insight into what is of interest to you and will help shape future developments across our journals.

Trust is key

You told us that the BDJ is a trusted source of topical research, opinions and news from across dentistry. Readers particularly value the clinical content, case studies, and high-quality research that supports professional development and everyday practice.

The BDJ reaches readers and authors around the world.

Global reach

The BDJ reaches readers and authors around the world. This global exchange of knowledge means UK dentistry continues to learn from international colleagues while also sharing expertise and innovation with the wider profession.

BDJ Portfolio contributions from around the world. Darker shades show higher density of contributions by country.

BDJ Portfolio contributions

Coloured pie chart showing BDJ readership in different continents

Readership around the world

 

Practical value

One of the clearest messages from the survey was a desire for even more practical content. You’re keen for more clinical guidelines, how-to articles and technique-focused features spanning different areas of practice.

You told us that you value concise, clinically relevant content that bridges evidence-based research with everyday practice. In particular, you want evidence-based practical insights and guidelines that can be applied directly in the clinic, and we are taking this feedback on board as we continue to develop our content.

 

You also told us that BDJ In Practice plays an important role in helping you understand the issues affecting the profession. Readers value expert opinion, insight and coverage of topical matters, and trust the magazine to investigate, deliberate and present a balanced view. In 2027 members can expect more analysis of the topics that matter to you.

In 2027 members can expect more analysis of the topics that matter to you.

How reading habits are changing

The way members are reading the BDJ and BDJ In Practice has been changing, with an increasing preference for reading content online. However, you also told us that accessing articles is not always as straightforward as it should be. We are going to improve the digital reading experience as a priority, and we will be making changes to address this.

Sustainability matters

The BDA is committed to helping make dentistry more sustainable by reducing its environmental impact, raising awareness, and supporting measures that help practices adopt greener approaches. As part of this wider conversation, we must also consider the impact and effects of our printed journals and magazines.

This is an issue we discuss periodically with our publisher, Springer Nature, which has its own target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Like many professional organisations, we are considering how best to balance readers’ preferences with our environmental responsibilities.

We were thrilled by the latest impact factor announcements across the Portfolio.

Celebrating recent success

We were thrilled by the latest impact factor announcements across the Portfolio. Impact factors are one measure of a journal’s influence and quality, reflecting how often published papers are cited by other researchers. Higher impact factors can increase the visibility and reach of important research.

These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our editors, authors and peer reviewers, whose commitment continues to strengthen the reputation of our journals. Members can be proud that their professional body’s journals are valued and referenced often around the world, resulting in tangible benefits for patient care both in the UK and globally.

Three BDJ Portfolio journals shown side by side: the British Dental Journal (BDJ), with an impact factor of 2.7; BDJ Open, with an impact factor of 3.1; and Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD), with an impact factor of 2.9.

 

Looking ahead

We look forward to sharing further developments with members in the coming months. Your feedback is helping us shape the BDJ Portfolio into a reading and learning experience that reflects the needs of today’s dental profession, and we thank you for continuing to help guide that journey.


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