In August, JADA introduced a new feature called "Practical Science," which is produced under the direction of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. In recent months, it has covered such topics as direct and indirect restorative materials, managing the care of patients with blood-borne diseases, dental local anesthetics, tooth whitening and fluorosis.
"Practical Science" is part of a continuing trend to provide dentists with information they can use in their everyday practices. Although JADA still welcomes cutting-edge research, the emphasis today is on current practice issues and patient care.
When asked if this is a positive trend and a good direction for JADA to take, 93 percent of the respondents to February JADA’s Question of the Month said yes.
"What could be more positive than practical science?" asked one reader.
"This makes The Journal more interesting and helps define ‘standard dental practice,’ " said another.
About half of the respondents said they think this is a positive trend because it emphasizes patient care and the practical aspects of dentistry.
"Research is great," said one. "But tips I can use in my everyday practice to help my patients are extremely beneficial."
"Anything that we can use and implement immediately is critical," said another.
"This feature appeals to me because of its practical side that has enough science in it, too," yet another reader said.
About one-third of the respondents indicated that they like a balance of research and practical science in their Journal.
"It gives me something to ponder and something to apply now," said one reader.
"A balance between research, clinical research and interesting, thoughtful articles on clinical procedures is a welcome trend," said another.
Seven percent of the Question of the Month respondents said they do not know if emphasizing current practice issues and patient care is a good direction for JADA to take. For the most part, however, they agreed that The Journal should continue to publish a variety of articles.
"Both research and current practice issues are equally important," said one respondent.
"I am pleased that The Journal is continuing to meet the practical needs of the readership," said Dr. Marjorie K. Jeffcoat, JADA editor. "We enjoy working with the Council on Scientific Affairs to make this feature possible."
