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text. Follow the format for references in "Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical
Journals" (Ann Intern Med 1997;126:36-47);
http://www.icmje.org . Include the list of references with the
manuscript proper. Submit figures and tables separately (see below); do not embed figures in the word
processing document.
4. Figures. Digital images should be in TIF or EPS format, CMYK or grayscale, at least 5 inches wide and
at least 300 pixels per inch (118 pixels per cm). Do not embed images in a word processing program. If
published, images could be reduced to 1 column width (about 3 inches), so authors should ensure that
figures will remain legible at that scale. For best results, avoid screening, shading, and colored
backgrounds; use the simplest patterns available to indicate differences in charts. If a figure has been
previously published, the legend (included in the manuscript proper) must give full credit to the original
source, and written permisson from the original publisher must be included. Be sure you have mentioned
each figure, in order, in the text.
5. Tables. Tables should be self-explanatory and should supplement, not duplicate, the text. Number them
with Roman numerals, in the order they are mentioned in the text. Provide a brief title for each. If a table
has been previously published, include a footnote in the table giving full credit to the original source.
6. Model release and permission forms. Photographs of identifiable persons must be accompanied by a
release signed by the person or both living parents or the guardian of minors. Illustrations or tables that
have appeared in copyrighted material must be accompanied by written permission for their use from the
copyright owner and original author, and the legend must properly credit the source. Permission also must
be obtained to use modified tables or figures.
7. Copyright release. In accordance with the Copyright Act of 1976, which became effective February 1,
1978, all manuscripts must be accompanied by the following written statement, signed by all authors:
"The undersigned author(s) transfers all copyright ownership of the manuscript [insert title of article
here] to the American Association of Orthodontists in the event the work is published. The undersigned
author(s) warrants that the article is original, does not infringe upon any copyright or other proprietary right
of any third party, is not under consideration by another journal, has not been previously published, and
includes any product that may derive from the published journal, whether print or electronic media. I (we)
sign for and accept responsibility for releasing this material." Scan the printed copyright release and
submit it via the Editorial Manager, or submit it via fax or mail.
8. Conflict of interest statement. Report any commercial association that might pose a conflict of interest,
such as ownership, stock holdings, equity interests and consultant activities, or patent-licensing situations.
If the manuscript is accepted, the disclosed information will be published with the article. The usual and
customary listing of sources of support and institutional affiliations on the title page is proper and does not
imply a conflict of interest. Guest editorials, Letters, and Review articles may be rejected if a conflict of
interest exists.
Other Articles
Follow the guidelines above, with the following exceptions, and submit via Editorial Manager.
Case Reports will be evaluated for completeness and quality of records, quality of treatment, uniqueness
of the case, and quality of the manuscript. A highquality manuscript will include the following sections:
introduction; diagnosis; etiology; treatment objectives, alternatives, progress, and results; and discussion.
The submitted figures should include extraoral and intraoral photographs and dental models, panoramic
radiographs and tracings from both pretreatment and posttreatment, and progress or retention figures as
appropriate.
Short Communications should not exceed 2000 words, including the bibliography, and should include a
minimal number of figures or tables. Priority will be given to communications relating to primary research
data, preferably clinical but also basic. This section permits time-sensitive material to be published within 6
months of submission.
Techno Bytes items report on emerging technological developments and products for use by
orthodontists.
Litigation, Legislation, and Ethics items report legal and ethical issues of interest to orthodontists.
Miscellaneous Submissions
Letters to the Editor and Ask Us questions and answers appear in the Readers' Forum section and are
encouraged to stimulate healthy discourse concerning the profession. Send letters or questions directly to