The European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry achieves Q1 status: a strategic advancement in specialised dental publishing

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ABSTRACT

Editorial

The European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry (EJPD) has attained a significant milestone by entering the first quartile (Q1) in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports (JCR), curated by Clarivate Analytics, in both the “Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine” and “Paediatrics” categories”. This dual recognition is a rare and significant achievement for a journal exclusively devoted to paediatric dentistry, underscoring its growing influence within both the dental and broader medical research communities.

Since its initial inclusion in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) in 2010, the European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry has demonstrated a consistent trajectory of growth. In 2015, with an Impact Factor (IF) of 0.421, the journal entered a phase of strategic consolidation marked by renewed editorial leadership and a refined scientific focus [Clarivate, 2024]. This evolution led to a steady and measurable increase in bibliometric performance, culminating in an Impact Factor of 2.7 in 2024. EJPD’s ascent into Q1 status is thus not only a reflection of increased citations but also of enhanced selectivity, stringent peer review, and alignment with international standards of scientific publishing. The editorial workflow has been strengthened through the adoption of advanced manuscript handling systems, facilitating a more efficient and transparent peer-review process. This infrastructure supports rigorous scientific scrutiny, ensuring the publication of high-quality, evidence-based content. Moreover, the journal’s early and proactive adoption of the Open Access model has significantly broadened its readership and facilitated global dissemination of its published research [Livas et al. 2018; García et al. 2022]. EJPD has established itself as a platform for high-impact contributions in key domains of paediatric oral health, including:

maternal and paediatric dentistry, early childhood caries, prevention strategies
behavioural and psychological management in paediatric patients
craniofacial growth and developmental disorders
dental trauma and restorative protocols in the paediatric population
interdisciplinary research linking dentistry with nutrition, paediatrics, epidemiology, developmental medicine

The journal has consistently prioritised research with clinical applicability, thereby serving not only the academic community but also informing best practices among paediatric dental practitioners worldwide. Of particular note is the journal’s sustained commitment to the promotion of oral health and preventive medicine. Despite the universally acknowledged value of prevention in public health, current bibliometric analyses reveal that less than 6% of the global scientific literature addresses behavioural determinants of chronic disease prevention—a proportion that has been declining since 2015 [Stival et al. 2025]. EJPD has countered this trend by systematically integrating preventive perspectives into its editorial focus, with special attention to the maternal-infant period, a critical window for shaping lifelong oral and systemic health trajectories. The continued evolution of EJPD has been made possible by the steadfast support of the Italian Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SIOI) and its membership. Their contributions— scientific, logistical, and institutional—have been essential in enabling the journal to function as an authoritative voice in the international paediatric dental research landscape. The inclusion of the European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry in the Q1 segment of the JCR rankings represents not merely a bibliometric accomplishment, but a qualitative leap in the international scientific visibility of paediatric dentistry. By fostering methodological rigour, clinical relevance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and open dissemination, EJPD reaffirms its mission to serve as a benchmark for scientific excellence in its field. This achievement serves as both a recognition of the progress made and a stimulus for continued advancement. The journal remains committed to supporting innovative research that improves oral health outcomes in children and adolescents globally. Science with purpose. Progress with impact.

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