Document submission

Manuscripts should be submitted in Microsoft Word format by disk or email attachment.

A covering letter or email should accompany each submission stating the names and working addresses of all authors. The principal author should confirm the work to be their own and acknowledgments given as appropriate. Confirmation of receipt will be returned by the newsletter editor. In the event that a reply from the editor is not received, the principal author should make enquiries.

Submission format

Submissions will only be accepted in Microsoft WORD XP format. Any graph included is best formulated in Excel and pasted into the Word document. The associated Excel files should be sent with the submission.

Authors are recommended to discuss with the editorial panel the general style of their report. It should be noted that the newsletter has limited space and submissions are generally tailored to fit comfortably on one page or less of the Newsletter.

Submissions should be formatted as follows:

• Double line spacing to fit A4 paper size

• Font details: Times New Roman size 12

• Margins: top = 2.54cm, bottom = 2.1cm, left and right margins = 3.17cm)

Submission will be expected to broadly adhere to the following outline:

• Title: This should be succinct and accurately reflect the project (up to a maximum of 12 words).

• Authors and affiliations: Authors' names, designation and institution/work place

• Introduction: To include the rationale behind/need for the project. Previous projects/publications as available can be refereed to and if appropriate the cycle number of the audit and the effects of previous action plans.

• Aims: A clear list of the project aims.

• Standard(s): Should be quoted if available.

• Process/materials and methods: A clear explanation of the audit process should be given.

• Results: Text to describe the results obtained. Results can also be given in table or graph form if more clearly represented this way (see below). Text should avoid simply repeating findings shown by graphs/charts. Clarification or explanation can be given if necessary.

• Discussion: As appropriate.

• Action Plan or Implementation of Findings: The author's plans for implementation of findings to change practice as necessary, or to audit further should be described.

• Acknowledgements: as indicated

• References: these should be listed as per the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry and cited in the text the same way.

Tables, Graphs and Charts should be provided in the following format:

• Tables: where possible, these are preferred to graphs and charts. They should be included into the Microsoft WORD XP document. These should be succinct with a limit of 10-15 rows to fit comfortably on the page. The accompanying legend should be concise and in bold. It should be included in the main text rather than the figure itself. E.g. 'Table 1...'

• Graphs and Charts: if included should be in Excel and pasted into the word document. The Excel files should also be included in the submission. For the purpose of publication graphs will be limited in number and should not be overly complex to ensure they are easily understood. As with tables the accompanying legend should be concise and in bold. It should be included in the main text rather than the figure itself. E.g. 'Figure 1...'

Refereeing and editing

Each submission will be subject to anonymous independent peer review. The editor's decision to publish will be based on referees' reports. Submitting authors will normally be sent a copy of the reports for their consideration. The editor reserves the right to edit the manuscript.

Submissions should be made to Submissions should be made to Chris Deery, Editor of BSPD Clinical Effectiveness Bulletin, Professor of Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health & Development, School of Clinical Dentistry, Claremont Crescent Sheffield S10 2TA