How is research publishing going to progress in the next 20 years? Transcription of session for editors, associate editors, publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing held at IADR meeting in Seattle on Wednesday, 20 March 2013.

On March 20th 2013, a one-hour session for Editors, Associate Editors, Publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing was held at the IADR International Session in Seattle. Organised by Kenneth Eaton and Chris Lynch (Chair and Secretary, respectively, of the British Dental Editors Forum), the meeting sought to bring together leading international experts in dental publishing, as well as authors, reviewers and students engaged in research. The meeting was an overwhelming success, with more than 100 attendees. A panel involving four leading dental editors led a discussion on anticipated developments in publishing dental research with much involvement and contribution from audience members. This was the third such meeting held at the IADR for Editors, Associate Editors, Publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing. A follow up session will take place in Cape Town on 25 June 2014 as part of the annual IADR meeting. The transcript of the meeting is reproduced in this article. Where possible speakers are identified by name. At the first time of mention their role/ position is also stated, thereafter only their name appears. We are grateful to Stephen Hancocks Ltd for their generous sponsorship of this event. For those who were not able to attend the authors hope this article gives a flavour of the discussions and will encourage colleagues to attend future events. Involvement is open to Editors, Associate Editors, Publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing. It is a very open group and all those with an interest will be welcome to join in.

The FDI's first ten years, 1900-1910. Fédération Dentaire Internationale.

On the centenary of the foundation of the FDI and the fiftieth anniversary of the International Dental Journal, the editor looks at the beginnings of the Fédération. This paper sets out to aid the understanding not only of the early history of the FDI but also the social, scientific and political background against which it was born and nurtured during its tentative, early years.

Seeing patients.

Seeing patients is something that we do most days. Indeed patients seeing us is something that happens most days too. Both situations are fine in the practice setting, but what happens outside?

It takes many men (and women) to make a restoration.

From the patient's point of view a filling, is a filling, is a crown. There is, however, very much more to the 'simple filling' than that, as we all know but very rarely think about.

That vacant look.

Archaeologists delight in discovering ancient dustbins and waste tips because of the valuable information that can be gleaned about day to day life. Classified job adverts fulfil a similar function.

Ooh! Grab one of those, quick.

It is unlikely that you will ever have come away from a dental congress, conference or even the most humble of meetings without something 'free' in your hand. But what do you do with it then?

Drenched in symbolism.

The choosing of a logo is probably one of the most fraught exercises in the history of the world. Certainly far more taxing than a large pinned amalgam in an upper left eight, infinitely more irritating than the seventeenth ease on the same denture and, frankly, enough to turn the most fervent democrat into a rabid dictator.

A turn up for the books?

They say that waiting is the worst part but if it is true for patients it is just as true for dentists. The missed appointment, or the appointment cancelled leaves us waiting. It is wasteful and expensive but more than either of these economic irritations it is straight forwardly frustrating.

Aspiration.

Aspiration lands in the dictionary between aspidistra and aspirin - a Victorian parlour plant and an anti-inflammatory with new-found cardiac and DVT prevention qualities. What do we make of that as a sign of the times?

Body art.

The recent warm weather might have caused further debate on global warming but has also revealed some extra knowledge about our patients - that the most unexpected of them have tattoos.

Useful/valuable/important medico-legally.

I've never been very sure why spring should be the season for cleaning. However, the wisdom of our forebears is in the expression and it would be a braver man than me who would challenge such tradition.

Giving for (dental) charity's sake.

Just what is it that holds us back from giving to charities, or giving more to charities? Is it the oft quoted 'compassion fatigue' or is there something deeper at work?

A little knowledge.

There was a time when we were the experts, unassailable to challenge. Alas, no longer.