Correction and Retraction

Correction and Retraction Policy for Dentistry, Oral Knowledge, and Therapeutic Education Research:

Dentistry, Oral Knowledge, and Therapeutic Education Research is committed to maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the scholarly record. Corrections and retractions are handled in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Correction

• Corrections are issued when errors are identified in a published article, including typographical errors, inaccurate data, incorrect author names, or other mistakes that may mislead readers but do not invalidate the main findings or conclusions.
• Correction requests may be submitted by authors, readers, editors, or other individuals who identify potential errors in a published article.
• The editorial team will assess the reported error and may consult the authors or relevant experts before making a decision.
• When a correction is necessary, the journal will publish an official correction notice linked to the original article to maintain transparency and the accuracy of the scholarly record.
• Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the interpretation, accuracy, or integrity of the article may be corrected without a separate formal notice, where appropriate.

2. Retraction

• Retraction may be considered when serious errors undermine the reliability of an article's findings or when significant ethical violations are identified, including plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, duplicate publication, or unethical research practices.
• The retraction process involves a careful assessment by the editorial team and may include consultation with the authors, reviewers, relevant institutions, or other appropriate parties.
• Retraction decisions are made based on the available evidence and applicable publication ethics principles, following a fair and transparent process.
• A formal retraction notice explaining the reasons for retraction will be published and linked to the original article.
• Retracted articles will generally remain accessible in the journal's archives with a clear retraction notice or label to inform readers and preserve the transparency of the scholarly record.

3. Handling Procedure

• Suspected errors, research misconduct, or ethical violations may be reported by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, or other concerned parties.
• The editorial team will conduct an initial assessment and may request supporting evidence, explanations, or additional information from the authors or relevant parties.
• Where necessary, the journal may contact the authors' affiliated institutions or other appropriate organizations to assist with the investigation.
• After reviewing the available evidence, the editorial team will determine the appropriate action, which may include correction, an expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.
• All decisions will be handled as fairly and confidentially as possible, while ensuring that relevant findings and corrective actions are communicated transparently.

4. Responsibilities of All Parties

• Authors: Authors are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their research and must promptly notify the journal if significant errors are discovered in their published work.
• Editors: Editors are responsible for assessing reported concerns objectively and taking appropriate action to maintain the quality and integrity of published articles.
• Reviewers: Reviewers are expected to report suspected errors, plagiarism, or other ethical concerns identified during the peer review process.
• The Journal and Publisher: The journal and its publisher are committed to preserving an accurate scholarly record through appropriate correction, expression of concern, and retraction procedures.

By implementing this policy, Dentistry, Oral Knowledge, and Therapeutic Education Research seeks to uphold scientific integrity, protect the reliability of research findings, and maintain the trust of authors, readers, dental practitioners, researchers, and the wider academic community.