Open access to oral microbiology

EDITORIAL

Open access to oral microbiology

Published: 27 January 2009

Citation: Journal of Oral Microbiology 2009. DOI: 10.3402/jom.v1i0.1941

Journal of Oral Microbiology 2009. © 2009 Ingar Olsen. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

It is a great pleasure in this inaugural Editorial to present a new partnership for scientific publication in the field of oral microbiology. With the recent development of a wide array of new techniques, particularly in molecular biology, this area has developed tremendously over the last few years. It has also become increasingly clear that the microflora of the oral cavity is an equally important object of investigation as microflora found in the rest of the body. Indeed, there is growing evidence that points to the oral cavity as a significant site for prevention of major diseases in humans.

Partners

Journal of Oral Microbiology (JOM) is a new international, peer-reviewed Open Access (OA) journal published by Co-Action Publishing (www.co-action.net). Co-Action Publishing is a relatively new OA publisher located in Scandinavia and one of only a handful of publishing houses worldwide offering a true OA publishing model for scholarly journals. To the best of our knowledge, JOM will be the first journal in the field of oral microbiology published under to the OA model. In close collaboration with Co-Action Publishing, I myself, the Advisory Board and the Editorial Board members will work hard to ensure a great impact for the journal in the years to come and develop it into a major source of information in the broad and expanding field of oral microbiology.

All articles published in JOM will be freely accessible online immediately after they have been accepted for publication, and can be read, downloaded, stored, printed, and copied without restrictions by anybody with a computer and access to the internet. Furthermore, the OA model offers additional multimedia benefits such as videos, audios, links to full datasets, unlimited colour budgets and interactive features, all of which the printed medium cannot provide. Co-Action Publishing will ensure that the best web technology supports the editorial team of JOM as well as the contributing authors, and thereby enhance the scholarly content of the journal.

Scope

Some of the most common infectious diseases of the mouth, for instance tooth caries and periodontitis, are distributed worldwide. Health authorities spend huge sums of money annually to treat these diseases, which cause much pain and discomfort globally. New techniques in the field of microbiology have made it possible for us to understand why and how the diseases develop; however, we still need to extend our knowledge and understanding of both aetiology, diagnosis and treatment to be able to combat them. It is true that a great deal has already been achieved to prevent oral infections, but they are by no means eradicated. In fact, despite all our efforts they continue to thrive in all societies causing great harm.

JOM welcomes papers describing current knowledge on aetiologic agents as well as the practical implementation of this knowledge. Papers providing new knowledge and novel concepts, particularly on pathogenesis and virulence, and papers dealing with host–parasite interactions are also welcome. Additionally, we encourage researchers worldwide to submit papers suggesting improved strategies for treatment and prevention and new strategies where none exist. Finally, we welcome papers that address the global agenda of oral infectious diseases.

Oral infections – aetiologic agents

Oral diseases have traditionally been related to a limited number of aetiologic agents. The reason for this is that culture has been used to demonstrate these agents. However, only 50% of the 700 different bacteria in the mouth are detected by culture. JOM looks to publish papers demonstrating the full breadth of the oral microflora, and particularly papers indicating the aetiologic role of uncultivable organisms and their microbial/host interactions. Bacteria, viruses, yeasts or protozoa are in focus.

Oral infections – pathogenesis

JOM encourages the submission of papers on pathogenesis, including virulence factors, for the development of caries, periodontitis (marginal/apical) and mucositis. Basic, translational and clinical microbiological studies are welcome.

Oral infections – systemic diseases

Papers describing research and innovative research methods to understand the relationship between oral diseases and systemic diseases are particularly welcome.

Oral infections – ecology/environmental microbiology

Papers dealing with the importance of ecology/environmental microbiology in the initiation and progression of oral infection are also welcome.

Oral infections – treatment

Papers on new treatment strategies for oral infectious diseases are encouraged, for instance, use of probiotics and biotechnology. JOM welcomes papers on the development and prevention of antibacterial resistance as well as on natural antimicrobials in the mouth.

Oral infections – diagnostics

Studies on the development and application of new methods for diagnosis of oral infections are welcome, particularly those dealing with the use of molecular methods and genetics. Papers on the diagnostic use of oral fluids such as saliva and gingival fluid are also welcome.

Oral infections – epidemiology

The burden of oral infections is highest in poor countries. JOM welcomes epidemiological studies of oral infectious diseases especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Oral microbiology – taxonomy/systematics

Taxonomy/systematics is the basis for good communication between microbiologists. JOM welcomes papers in this field.

What we offer

JOM welcomes original articles, review articles, debate articles as well as short communications. Excellent study design articles on, for instance, population research may precede publication of the results. All manuscripts will be peer reviewed and edited to the highest standards.

JOM is committed to building research capacity globally by offering mentorship to less-experienced researchers in order to help promote manuscripts with great potential yet lacking in either scientific or formal stringency. A group of multidisciplinary and experienced researchers in oral microbiology have committed themselves to serve as mentors and they will be in close dialogue with the authors until the paper is up to standards. The Mentor will not be named among the co-authors but mentioned in the published paper as ‘Contributing Editor’.

Publication of an article in JOM involves a relatively modest cost. However, to emphasise our commitment to extend an arena for publication in which developing settings can publish their research results, the publication fee may be waived for authors from institutions or projects unable to pay.

Open Access serves the interests of all readers: authors, teachers, students, libraries, universities, funding agencies, governments and citizens. It increases the visibility of individual authors’ work. Key resources are equally accessible to rich and poor. The mission of most universities to disseminate and share knowledge is facilitated, and funders (including governments) are given return on investment. It is high time to make research results in the field of oral microbiology freely available!

Ingar Olsen, Editor-in-Chief



Journal of Oral Microbiology eISSN 2000-2297

This journal is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License. Responsible editor: Ingar Olsen.