Complaints Management Policy

Algerian Journal of Orthodontics (AJO)


This procedure applies to any complaint regarding editorial policies, procedures, or decisions made within the framework of the AJO's operation.

Every complaint is taken seriously, as it represents an opportunity for improvement for the journal.

The AJO is committed to responding in a prompt, constructive, and courteous manner. The Editor-in-Chief and the editorial team will do their utmost to resolve any difficulty as soon as possible, in the most appropriate manner, while ensuring a right of reply when necessary.

  1. Definition of a Complaint

    A complaint is defined as one of the following situations:

    • Expression of dissatisfaction regarding an editorial aspect;
    • Disagreement with an editorial decision or published content;
    • Suspicion of procedural failure (e.g., excessive delay, inappropriate response, error of judgment).

    The complaint must concern an element within the competence of the AJO, whether it be published content or an editorial procedure.

  2. Types of Complaints Considered

    The AJO handles complaints relating to:

    • Authorship or author order;
    • Plagiarism or excessive similarity;
    • Multiple, duplicate, or simultaneous publication;
    • Concurrent submission to multiple journals;
    • Undeclared conflicts of interest;
    • Lack of impartiality of a reviewer;
    • Any detrimental conduct in the review process.

  3. Procedure for Filing a Complaint

    Formulation of the Complaint

    Complaints regarding editorial content or decisions must be addressed as soon as possible after publication or notification of the decision.

    Submission Method

    The complaint must be formulated in writing, preferably by email, and sent to:

    The message must specify:

    • The coordinates of the complainant;
    • The article or decision concerned;
    • The exact nature of the complaint;
      • >Any factual elements facilitating its examination.

  4. Complaint Handling

    The editorial team is committed to:

    • Acknowledging receipt quickly;
    • Examining the complaint impartially;
    • Consulting, if necessary, associate editors or reviewers;
    • Proposing an argued and appropriate response;
    • Informing the complainant of the measures envisaged or applied.

    If the complaint concerns a serious matter (plagiarism, fraud, conflict of interest, etc.), the AJO reserves the right to conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with international ethical standards.