The April issue of the International Dental Journal (IDJ) brings together research and perspectives that reflect the rapid evolution of dentistry today. Continuing its mission to connect the global dental community with high-quality scholarship, the issue provides a timely overview of ideas and discoveries currently shaping oral healthcare.

The issue opens with a short communication addressing one of the most significant developments in healthcare: the growing role of artificial intelligence in dentistry. As AI increasingly supports diagnostics, imaging analysis, and clinical decision-making, the article calls for dental education to respond proactively by preparing a workforce capable of understanding and responsibly using these technologies.
Alongside this perspective, the April issue presents a broad range of original research and scholarly contributions. Studies explore developments in dental science and technology, applications of artificial intelligence in clinical dentistry, and international public health challenges affecting oral health outcomes. The issue also highlights interprofessional education and collaborative practice, reflecting dentistry’s expanding role within the wider healthcare landscape.

Read the April issue

Submit your papers for the IDJ Virtual Special Issues

Alongside the new issue, IDJ is also inviting submissions to four Virtual Special Issues (VSIs) that focus on rapidly advancing areas of dental research and education. These collections aim to bring together new evidence and perspectives from researchers around the world working at the forefront of innovation in oral health.

The first VSI, Advances in Genomics and Digital Health: Exploring Cranial and Orofacial Diseases, reflects the growing convergence of genetic science and digital technologies in oral and craniofacial healthcare. As genomic insights combine with advanced digital tools, researchers and clinicians are gaining new capabilities to diagnose, treat, and potentially prevent cranial and orofacial diseases with greater precision. The issue is guest edited by Prof. Thantrira Porntaveetus, Prof. Ana Angelova Volponi, Prof. Shih-Kai Wang, and Prof. Ji-Man Park, with submissions open until 30 April 2026.

A second VSI, Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, focuses on the expanding role of AI across dental education, research, and clinical practice. From improving diagnostic accuracy and prognosis assessment to supporting treatment planning and oral health promotion, AI technologies are reshaping how dentistry is taught, studied, and practiced. This collection is guest edited by Prof. Thanaphum Osathanon and Prof. Antonin Tichy, with a submission deadline of 30 June 2026.

Another VSI, Stem Cells & Regenerative Dentistry, provides a platform for research that bridges foundational science with clinical innovation. The issue welcomes contributions exploring stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative approaches that may expand future treatment possibilities in dentistry. It is guest edited by Dr Adam Qingsong Ye and Dr Hanyao Huang, with submissions open until 12 October 2026.

Finally, Reimagining Dental Education: Immersive Technologies for a Digital Future, invites research examining how emerging digital tools are shaping the training of dental professionals. The issue aims to gather globally relevant, evidence-based studies on the use of immersive and digital technologies to support competency-driven dental education across diverse contexts. Guest editors include Dr Anand Marya, Dr Katsushi Okazaki, Dr Siddharthan Selvaraj, and Dr Ding-Han Wang, with submissions open until 01 March 2027.
Together, these Virtual Special Issues offer researchers an opportunity to contribute to focused discussions on some of the most active areas of development in dentistry today.