Complaint Policy

The TMP Universal Journal of Dental Research and Health is committed to providing a transparent, fair, and high-quality publication process. We recognize that complaints may arise from authors, reviewers, or readers, and we have established a clear policy to handle complaints efficiently and fairly.

Scope of Complaints

Complaints may arise in relation to the following:

  • Editorial Decisions: Disagreements regarding the decision to accept or reject a manuscript.
  • Peer Review Process: Concerns about the fairness or timeliness of the peer-review process.
  • Ethical Concerns: Allegations of plagiarism, data fabrication, inappropriate authorship, or other forms of academic misconduct.
  • Publication Errors: Errors in the final publication, such as typographical mistakes, inaccuracies in data presentation, or incorrect authorship.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Perceived or real conflicts of interest involving editors, reviewers, or authors.
  • Unprofessional Conduct: Inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour by any party involved in the publication process.

How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted in writing and include the following:

  • A clear description of the issue or concern.
  • Supporting evidence, if applicable.
  • The complainant’s contact details for further communication.

Complaints should be sent to the editorial office via email at twistingmemoirs@gmail.com. All complaints will be acknowledged within 5 working days.

Process for Handling Complaints

  • Initial Review: Upon receipt, complaints will be reviewed by the journal’s editorial team. If the complaint is valid and falls within the journal’s scope, it will be escalated to the appropriate department or individual (e.g., the editor-in-chief, the managing editor, or the ethics committee).
  • Communication: The complainant will be informed of the progress and any actions taken at regular intervals. The journal aims to resolve all complaints within 30 days of receipt.
  • Investigation: Depending on the nature of the complaint, an investigation may involve consultations with the authors, reviewers, or editorial board members. The journal follows guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation.
  • Resolution: After completing the investigation, the editorial team will communicate the final decision to the complainant. If the complaint is upheld, appropriate actions will be taken, such as issuing a correction, retraction, or apology, or reviewing internal processes to prevent recurrence.

Appeals

If a complainant is not satisfied with the initial response or decision, they may appeal the outcome. Appeals should be submitted in writing, outlining the reasons for disagreement with the initial decision. The appeal will be reviewed by a senior editor or an independent reviewer, and the final decision will be communicated within 30 days.

Ethical Misconduct Complaints

Complaints related to ethical misconduct, such as plagiarism, fabrication of data, or unethical research practices, will be treated with the utmost seriousness. These complaints will be referred to the journal’s ethics committee, which will follow COPE guidelines for investigating and resolving ethical issues. Authors found to have engaged in unethical practices may face sanctions, including retraction of articles, a ban on future submissions, and notification to their institutions.

Confidentiality

All complaints and related investigations will be handled confidentially. Information about the complaint will only be shared with individuals directly involved in the investigation and resolution of the issue. The journal will not disclose the identity of the complainant unless necessary for resolving the complaint, and only with the complainant’s consent.

Continuous Improvement

The TMP Universal Journal of Dental Research and Health values feedback and views complaints as an opportunity for continuous improvement. The journal will review its policies and procedures in response to complaints to ensure high standards are maintained across all aspects of the publication process.

External Oversight

If a complaint cannot be resolved internally to the complainant’s satisfaction, the matter may be referred to an external body, such as the publisher or a relevant industry organization (e.g., COPE), for further review and resolution.