A New Chapter with Renewed Commitment

It is with deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility that I write this editorial as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology. The journal has long served as an important platform for advancing knowledge in our specialty, and it is a privilege to contribute to its continued growth and development. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our past Editors-in-Chief, whose vision, dedication and tireless efforts have shaped JIAOMR into what it is today. As I assume this role, I find myself reflecting on my own journey with the journal. My association began as a reviewer, carefully reading manuscripts, offering constructive suggestions, and learning from the work of fellow researchers. Those early experiences revealed the quiet but powerful role reviewers play in shaping scientific literature. I later had the privilege of serving as an Associate Editor for 4 years, a period that provided deeper insight into editorial decision-making, publication ethics, and the careful balance between encouraging authors and maintaining scientific standards. Stepping into the role therefore feels less like a new beginning and more like the natural continuation of a long and meaningful association with this journal. Oral Medicine and Radiology is a dynamic and evolving discipline that increasingly operates at the intersection of multiple fields. Advances in imaging technologies, molecular diagnostics, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches are transforming the way oral diseases are understood and managed. Greater recognition of oral manifestations of systemic diseases, early detection of potentially malignant disorders, and the growing application of artificial intelligence in radiographic interpretations are expanding both the scope and relevance of the specialty. These developments highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues in medicine, pathology, oncology, radiology, and related fields. Alongside these exciting developments, important challenges remain. While innovative ideas are abundant, the field continues to benefit from stronger methodological rigor, well-designed studies, adequate sample sizes, and long-term follow-up investigations. Multicentric and collaborative research efforts remain relatively underutilized despite the inherently interdisciplinary nature of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Encouraging such collaborative initiatives can generate more robust and representative data that ultimately enhance the scientific impact of our work. Another area that deserves attention is the translation of valuable clinical observations into scientific publications. Clinicians frequently encounter unusual presentations and rare conditions in daily practice, yet these experiences are not always systematically documented or shared with the wider academic community. Encouraging clinicians and young researchers to convert clinical experience into carefully documented case reports and structured studies will enrich the scientific literature and strengthen the evidence base of our specialty. At the same time, maintaining the highest standards of research integrity—including transparency in authorship, originality of work, and ethical publication practices—remains a collective responsibility for authors, reviewers, and editors alike. My vision for the journal is to further strengthen its role as a trusted and respected forum for high-quality scientific communication in Oral Medicine and Radiology. Our priority will remain the publication of well-designed original research, systematic reviews, and clinically relevant studies that contribute meaningfully to both academic knowledge and patient care. We will continue to uphold a rigorous and transparent peer-review process, encourage interdisciplinary research contributions, and support studies that address emerging diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the field. The success of any scientific journal depends greatly on the dedication of its scholarly community. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our reviewers, whose careful evaluations and thoughtful suggestions ensure the scientific quality and credibility of the journal. I am equally grateful to the members of the editorial board for their academic insight, professional commitment, and continued support in strengthening the journal’s editorial processes. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our authors and contributors. Every manuscript represents significant intellectual effort and commitment to advancing knowledge in our field. Whether through original research, case reports, or reviews, each contribution enriches the ongoing academic dialog within our specialty. As an editorial team, our aim is not only to evaluate submissions but also to guide authors in presenting their work in the strongest possible form. Finally, I encourage postgraduate students and early-career researchers to view research not merely as an academic requirement but as an opportunity to explore meaningful questions and contribute to better patient care. Curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical conduct will continue to shape the future of Oral Medicine and Radiology. As we move forward, I invite the entire academic community to actively engage with the journal—by submitting high-quality manuscripts, participating in peer review, and sharing constructive ideas that help strengthen its impact and relevance. I express my sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am also deeply thankful to my mentors, colleagues, reviewers, and contributors who have supported this journey over the years. With renewed commitment, collaborative spirit, and dedication to scientific integrity, let us continue to strengthen the foundation of our specialty and advance the role of this journal in shaping its future. With gratitude and warm regards.