title: Editorial policy in reporting ethical processes: A survey of 'instructions for authors' in International Indexed Dental Journals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors expects authors to report if their studies were carried out in accordance with the International Ethical Guidelines and Declaration of Helsinki; and inform readers regarding the same.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the proportion of International Indexed Dental Journals reporting on ethical clearance for human and animal research, obtaining of informed consent and / or assent, and the conduction of research in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and International Medical Research, 2006.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of 'instructions for authors,' for analysis of editorial policy on ethical processes, was done.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twenty-six dental journals (which included 50 general and 76 specialties) were reviewed for reporting, with regard to the Ethical Committee Approval for human and animal researches, obtaining of informed consent / assent from the research participants, and research in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki as well as International Medical Research 2006 were analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive statistics was used and results were expressed in percentages.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 126 dental journals, 57 (45.23%) reported having obtained approval from the Ethics Committee, 33 (26.19%) were instructed about the Animal Ethics Committee approval, and 38 (30.15%) insisted on obtaining and reporting informed consent / assent. 41 (32.53%) journals expected authors to mention the research being conducted according to Declaration of Helsinki and and 3 (2.38%) journals required researches to be conducted in accordance with International Medical Research, 2006.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A significant proportion of international indexed dental journals did not provide instructions to authors to report on the ethical approval, informed consent and / assent, and research conduction according to the Declaration of Helsinki as well as the International Medical Research, 2006.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Venkateshwara Dental College and Hospital, Anekal Road, Banerghatta, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Cugati
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Navaneetha