Editorial

The New Journal

Research and information resources are a vital component of the health and life sciences of the Saudi Dental Society community. The resources that have contributed to the accomplishments of its members gave birth to the Saudi Dental Journal (SDJ). It aims to stimulate the conduct and the publication of original research in clinical dental medicine and public health in Saudi Arabia, to provide a source of continuing dental education, and to circulate such information in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world.

During the past 16 years since the University's approval of the Journal, the influx of papers submitted for publication and the sudden rush of papers by colleagues aspiring for promotion, and our desire to support them by publishing their contributions as soon as appropriate, made the Journal rely heavily on the capability of its Advisory and Editorial Board. Thus, when the Saudi Dental Society elected its new president and new set of board members, it is deemed necessary that the membership of the Editorial Board of the Saudi Dental Journal which is under the auspices of the Society be augmented and amended to maintain the Journal's already-established stance. The editorial team has been enhanced by the introduction of several new faces.

But let us not forget the dedication rendered by its former Editorial Board members. Most especially, we are very grateful for the leadership and steadfastness of our past Society President and Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Abdullah R. Al-Shammery. As a result of his enthusiasm and devotion, the day-to-day function of the Society rolled forward providing countless services to the Society's members and Journal readers. We are equally grateful for the work of the standing Editorial Board members whose efforts assure the success and excellence of the Journal.

For 2005, the Journal is complimented by the redesign of most sections beginning with the cover page which is taking a new face and shape. But, above all, we will continue to be what our mission statement at the beginning set out to be - an essential reference journal promoting excellence to private dental practitioners to help those in practice meet the demands of modern day dentistry in addition to the editorially independent articles by opinion leaders covering the full range of clinical and management topics. In the very near future, SDJ will be available in the website in order to easily be accessible to the computer-based members and users.

The continued support of its Editorial Board Members and interest by the Society members and subscribers in helping the Journal to carry out its objectives in a comprehensive and effective manner had been an important moral factor for its success.

As we begin this new year and a new beginning, I look forward to working with and serving our readers. In the future issues of the Journal, we will all share our thoughts on the vortex of exponential growth and fulfillment of our purpose and vision. May we all work together to become one in purpose and peace.

Yousef Fouad Talic, BDS, MS, DICOI, FICOI, DASO