Submissions

Submission Preparation Checklist

All submissions must meet the following requirements. Articles are selected for publication based on the Article Review Rubric.

1. Manuscript Requirements

   • This submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration.

   • All references have been checked for accuracy and completeness.

   • All tables and figures have been numbered and labeled.

   • In-text links to commercial content are disallowed. You may include one neutral, informative link in an “About the Author” note at the end.

   • The manuscript should have clear topic focus, logical flow, and practical takeaways.

   • Use personal narrative and grounded experience where appropriate, and cite reputable sources and peer-reviewed literature.

   • Word Count: 

     • Articles: 1,000 - 2,000 preferred; maximum 2,500

     • Letters to the Editor: Maximum 1,500

   • Audience: Primarily U.S.–based pre-health and health-professional students and trainees.

   • Tone: Educational and editorial, not promotional.
     
     

2. Disclosures and Permissions

   • Authors grant SDN Review the right to publish accepted work, as part of the submission process.

   • Conflicts of interest: Disclose all relevant financial, corporate, or institutional relationships (e.g., consultancy, grants, funding, or employment). Transparency is essential.

   • Authors are responsible for securing permission to publish all photos, datasets and other material provided with this submission, including to reproduce any third-party material (figures, images, tables, etc.).

   • Authors will note use of AI in accordance with our AI Generated Content Policy.
     
     

3. Peer Review Process

   • Initial Editorial Screening: Submissions are reviewed for scope, originality, and compliance with journal standards. Submissions may be declined at this stage.

   • Peer Review: Suitable manuscripts are sent to at least one subject-matter expert. Reviewers evaluate clarity, accuracy, originality, and value to our audience.

   • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat manuscripts as confidential and disclose any conflicts of interest.

   • Author Revisions: Authors may be asked to revise manuscripts in response to reviewer or editor feedback.

   • Final Decision: The editor makes the final decision to accept, request further revision, or decline.

   • Copyediting: Accepted articles undergo editorial copyediting. Minor grammar/style changes may be made without author resubmission.

   • SDN Review follows a single-editorial peer review process, designed in accordance with COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers.
     
     

4. Editorial and Publication Process

   • Authors typically receive an initial decision within 2–3 weeks.

   • Once accepted, articles are scheduled for online publication. Publication dates are subject to change.
     
     

5. Corrections Policy

   • SDN Review follows COPE guidelines on corrections, retractions, and version control.

   • Minor corrections (e.g., typographical or formatting errors) are corrected without formal notice.

   • Substantive corrections (e.g., factual inaccuracies or errors affecting interpretation) are accompanied by a dated Correction Notice appended to the article.

   • Retractions: If an article is found to contain fundamental errors, ethical breaches, or misconduct, it may be retracted. Retractions remain visible and are labeled clearly.

   • All corrections, revisions, and retractions are permanent parts of the scholarly record.

   • Our full corrections policy can be found on our corrections policy page.
     
     

Editorial Best Practices

• Revise with distance: Draft, then revisit after several hours to tighten and clarify.

• Prioritize clarity: Write for an informed but non-specialist audience; avoid jargon.

• Know your audience: Tailor your article to specific readers (e.g., dental students, MSTP applicants, nontraditional learners).
  
  

Summary

1. Write a 1,000–2,000 word feature article with clear focus and citations as needed.

2. Complete article submission, including disclosing conflicts and agreeing to publication requirements. If you have not previously registered, you will be required to do so in order to submit your article.

3. SDN Review will complete peer review and provide editorial feedback. Revise if needed.

4. Accepted articles are copyedited and scheduled for publication.

5. Corrections and retractions are handled transparently per COPE guidelines.