Volume 12, Issue 1 (2026)

The Communicator is the official publication of the American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists (AADEJ), promoting awareness of the association’s activities and offering valuable insights for dental editors and journalists to enhance their publications. It is published quarterly, distributed digitally via email to members, and posted on the Association’s website at aadej.org, with archives on ADA Commons. Regular contributions from the Editor-in-Chief, Executive Director, President, and Associate Editor cover various topics.

This issue provides practical strategies for journal growth, such as building sustainable author pipelines and using digital analytics to increase content reach. Features include articles addressing ethical, clinical, and organizational challenges in dental communication, focusing on the responsible use of generative AI and emphasizing the need for clear editorial policies to prevent author misconduct and ensure transparency. In addition to professional standards, the issue reprints the 2025 third-place winner of the AADEJ/ADEA Gies Foundation Editorial Award, which highlights critical health issues like the life-threatening danger of sepsis and the importance of early symptom detection in dental patients. Finally, personal stories from leadership reflect on the balance between professional duties, education, and family life, underscoring a commitment to integrity and purpose within the dental community.