Ethical Statement
Ethical Statement: Guidelines for Research Involving Human Subjects
Research involving human subjects is fundamental for advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare practices. However, it is imperative that such research is conducted with the utmost ethical considerations to ensure the protection, dignity, and rights of the individuals involved. Authors submitting research manuscripts to the Brazilian Journal of Dentistry and Oral Radiology (BJDOR) must adhere to the following ethical guidelines when conducting studies involving human participants:
1. Informed Consent:
Authors must obtain informed consent from all participants involved in the study. Informed consent entails providing participants with comprehensive information about the study objectives, procedures, potential risks, benefits, and their rights as research subjects. Participants should have the autonomy to voluntarily decide whether to participate in the study or withdraw at any time without repercussion.
2. Privacy and Confidentiality:
Authors must prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of participants' personal information. Identifiable data should be anonymized or kept confidential to prevent unauthorized access. Authors should take measures to ensure that participants' privacy is protected throughout the research process, including data collection, storage, analysis, and publication.
3. Beneficence and Non-maleficence:
Researchers have a duty to maximize benefits and minimize harms to research participants. This involves designing studies that have the potential to contribute to scientific knowledge while minimizing risks to participants' physical, psychological, and social well-being. Any potential risks to participants must be carefully considered and mitigated to the best extent possible.
4. Respect for Participant Autonomy:
Authors must respect the autonomy and decision-making capacity of research participants. This includes respecting participants' right to self-determination, privacy, and confidentiality. Researchers should ensure that participants are fully informed about their rights and have the opportunity to provide voluntary consent without coercion or undue influence.
5. Research Integrity:
Authors must conduct research with honesty, integrity, and transparency. Any conflicts of interest or biases that may influence the research must be disclosed. Researchers should accurately report their findings and methods, avoiding fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism. The integrity of the research process is crucial for maintaining public trust in scientific research.
6. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval:
Authors conducting research involving human subjects must obtain approval from an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee. IRBs are responsible for reviewing research protocols to ensure that they comply with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Authors should provide documentation of IRB approval or exemption when submitting their manuscripts.
7. Reporting of Adverse Events:
Authors must promptly report any adverse events or unanticipated problems that occur during the course of the research. This includes any harm or discomfort experienced by participants as a result of their involvement in the study. Researchers should take appropriate measures to mitigate harm and provide necessary support to affected participants.
8. Compliance with Regulations:
Authors must comply with all relevant ethical guidelines, regulations, and laws governing research involving human subjects. This includes adherence to international standards such as the Declaration of Helsinki and local regulations pertaining to human research ethics. Failure to comply with ethical standards may result in rejection of the manuscript or other disciplinary actions.
In summary, authors conducting research involving human subjects have a responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards throughout the research process. By prioritizing the well-being, autonomy, and rights of research participants, authors can ensure that their research contributes to the advancement of knowledge while respecting the dignity and rights of individuals. Adherence to these ethical principles is essential for maintaining the integrity and credibility of scientific research in the field of dentistry and beyond.