Privacy Statement

Al-Rafidain Dental Journal (RDENTJ) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its authors, reviewers, editors, and other users. The journal handles personal data responsibly, securely, and in accordance with recognized ethical publishing standards.

Scope of Data Collection

When registering with or submitting a manuscript to RDENTJ, users may be asked to provide personal information, including:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Institutional affiliation
  • User role (e.g., author, reviewer, editor)

Purpose of Data Processing

Personal data are collected and used solely for the operation and management of the journal and its publication processes. This includes:

  • Managing manuscript submissions and editorial correspondence
  • Administering the peer-review process
  • Communicating editorial decisions and revision requests
  • Publishing, archiving, and indexing accepted articles
  • Providing essential journal-related communications

Personal information is not used for commercial or unrelated purposes and is not disclosed to unauthorized third parties.

Confidentiality and Access to Information

Access to personal data is limited to individuals who require it for the editorial and publication process, including:

  • Editors
  • Assigned peer reviewers (who are bound by confidentiality obligations)
  • Editorial and publishing staff

All individuals with access to personal information are expected to maintain strict confidentiality and use such information solely for legitimate editorial purposes.

Data Security

RDENTJ implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, loss, or misuse. These measures include:

  • Secure, access-controlled manuscript submission and editorial systems
  • Encryption of sensitive data where appropriate
  • Regular data backups and system security measures, including malware protection

These practices are consistent with the principles of editorial confidentiality and data protection recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Data Retention and User Rights

Personal data are retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill editorial, publication, archiving, and legal obligations.

Users may request:

  • Correction or updating of inaccurate personal information
  • Deletion of personal data, where permitted by applicable laws and journal record-keeping requirements

Requests concerning personal data should be directed to the journal's Editorial Office.

Legal and Ethical Compliance

RDENTJ is committed to complying with applicable data protection laws and regulations and adheres to the ethical standards and confidentiality principles established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Changes to This Privacy Statement

RDENTJ reserves the right to revise this Privacy Statement periodically. Any updates will be published on the journal's website together with the effective date of the revised version.