Generative AI Policy

Bali Dental Journal — Use of Artificial Intelligence in Manuscript Preparation and Peer Review

Bali Dental Journal (BDJ) acknowledges the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in academic research and writing. This policy establishes clear standards for the transparent, ethical, and responsible use of generative AI tools in manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial processes, consistent with guidance from ICMJE, COPE, and WAME.

ICMJE 2023 COPE 2023 WAME Nature Portfolio Policy

Core Principle: AI Cannot Be an Author

AI tools and large language models (LLMs) — including but not limited to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and similar systems — cannot be listed as authors of manuscripts submitted to BDJ. Authorship requires accountability and the ability to give consent, which AI systems cannot provide. Any AI-generated content included in a manuscript must be fully disclosed, and human authors assume complete responsibility for its accuracy and integrity.

Permitted Uses of AI in Manuscript Preparation

BDJ permits the use of AI tools to assist in manuscript preparation in the following contexts, provided that use is disclosed in the manuscript:

Language Editing

Grammar and spelling correction, vocabulary improvement, and clarity enhancement of text written by the authors.

Literature Search Assistance

Using AI to identify potentially relevant references, which must then be independently located and verified by authors.

Statistical Analysis Tools

AI-powered statistical or data analysis tools, provided methodology is fully reported and results are verified by the authors.

Formatting Assistance

Using AI tools to assist with formatting references, tables, or figure legends to comply with journal style requirements.

Prohibited Uses of AI

AI Authorship

Listing an AI tool as an author or co-author of the manuscript in any section.

Undisclosed AI Writing

Submitting AI-generated text — including abstracts, introductions, discussion, or conclusions — without disclosure.

Fabricated References

Including AI-generated citations or references that have not been independently verified to exist and accurately represent the cited source.

AI-Generated Images

Including AI-generated figures, clinical photographs, radiographs, or other images without explicit disclosure and editor approval.

AI in Peer Review

Using AI to generate substantial portions of a peer review report. Uploading confidential manuscript content to AI tools breaches reviewer confidentiality obligations.

Data Fabrication via AI

Using AI to generate, simulate, or fabricate research data, patient results, or experimental outcomes.

Disclosure Requirements

If AI tools were used in any aspect of manuscript preparation, authors must disclose this in the Methods section (for AI tools used in data collection or analysis) or in an Acknowledgements statement (for AI tools used in writing or editing). The disclosure must include:

Required Disclosure Elements

Name of the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT-4, Grammarly, Scite Assistant)

Purpose of use (e.g., language editing, literature search assistance, data visualization)

Confirmation that all AI-generated content was reviewed, verified for accuracy, and takes full responsibility resting with the named human authors

Example Disclosure Statement:

"The authors used ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI) for language editing of the manuscript. The tool was used to improve grammar, clarity, and readability of text written by the authors. All content was reviewed and approved by the authors, who take full responsibility for the integrity of the work."

Author Responsibility and Accountability

Authors are fully and unconditionally responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of all content in their manuscripts, regardless of whether AI tools were used. AI tools are not infallible — they may produce plausible but factually incorrect information, fabricate citations, or generate biased content. Authors must critically evaluate and verify all AI-assisted outputs before inclusion in a manuscript.

Failure to disclose the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation, or the submission of AI-generated content misrepresented as original human work, will be treated as a form of research misconduct and may result in manuscript rejection or, for published articles, retraction.

Evolving Policy: The landscape of AI tools in research is rapidly changing. BDJ will review and update this policy periodically in alignment with the latest guidance from ICMJE, COPE, and WAME. Authors are encouraged to check this page for the most current requirements before submission. Current policy reflects guidance effective as of 2025.

For questions about this policy or how to disclose AI use in your manuscript, please contact the Editorial Office at drgputrirejeki@unud.ac.id. This policy applies to all manuscripts submitted from January 2025 onwards.