Original papers will be considered for publication with the understanding that they are contributed solely to the BRAZILIAN DENTAL JOURNAL. In submitting an article, the author(s) should state in the cover letter that the material has not been published previously and is not under consideration by another journal.

 Brazilian Dental Journal
 Fundação Odontológica de Ribeirão Preto
 Av. do Café, s/n
 14040-904 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
 Fax: 55-016-633-0999
 E-mail:  pecora@forp.usp.br

The Journal publishes Full-Length Papers, Short Communications, Case Reports, and Review Articles, dealing with dentistry or related disciplines. Manuscripts must be submitted in English and must be accompanied by a diskette. The decision of acceptance for publication lies with the Editors and is based on the recommendation of the Editorial Board and/or ad hoc reviewers.

Please complete the following checklist before sending the manuscript as expenses for technical revision will be charged to the author at the time of acceptance:

General
• Two complete sets of the manuscript, illustrations and tables are submitted.
• Diskette with the manuscript in Word for Windows or Word Perfect.
• Manuscript is printed double-spaced, on good quality paper, with ample margins (3-4 cm) at the
 top, bottom and both sides.
• Pages are numbered consecutively, starting with the title page.
• Full-length paper is assembled in the following sections: Title Page, Summary, Key Words,
 Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions and References. Results
 and Discussion may be joined, according to the author(s) criterion. Short Communication and
 Case Report dispense the division into sections.
• One author and his address is indicated for correspondence.

Title page and Summary
• On the first page are typed the title, author(s) name(s) (no more than 6) and the source of the
 work or study.
• A short title (no more than 40 spaces) is provided for use as a running head.
• A summary of no more than 200 words is provided. It states the aims, methods, results, and any
 conclusions drawn from the study.
• A list of key words or terms (no more than 5) is included below the summary.

References
• Each reference is cited in the text by author’s last name and year.
• No more than 20 references are cited.
• In the text, authors and year of publication are cited as follows for 1, 2 or 3 or more authors:
 (Orban, 1949; De Smit and Demaut, 1982; Costa et al., 1986; Pécora et al., 1987, 1991a,b). Note
 that when several reference are cited together, within parentheses, they are listed in chronological
 order. However, chronological order is not necessary when the reference is part of the text, i.e.,
 Maia Campos (1990), Greenhill and Pashley (1981) and Woefel (1984).
• The reference list is typed double-spaced and in alphabetical order of the first author’s name.
• Abbreviations of journal titles conform to those used in Dental Index. The style and punctua-
 tion of references follow the format illustrated by following examples:

Journal articles:
Fowler BO, Kuroda S: Changes in heated and in laser-irradiated human tooth enamel and their probable effects on solubility. Calcif Tissue Int 38: 197-208, 1986

Book:
Shafer WG, Hine MK, Levy BM: A Textbook of Oral Pathology. 3rd ed. WB Saunders,
Philadelphia 1974

Chapter in a Book:
Stern RH: Dentistry and the laser. In: Laser Applications in Medicine and Biology. Wolbarsht ML. ed. Vol 2: 361-388. Plenum Press, New York 1974

• No periods have been used after the authors’ initials, after Journal abbreviations, or at the end
 of references.

Tables
• Each table is typed on a separate sheet of paper at the end of manuscript with its caption.
• Tables are numbered with Arabic numerals.
• Each table contains all necessary information in order that it may stand alone, independent of the
 text.
• Vertical lines are not used in tables.

Figures
• Two sets of figures are submitted, either unmounted black India ink drawings of professional
 quality or unmounted glossy photographs. Computer-generated artwork must be lazer-printed
 on high-quality paper. Color figures cannot be used.
• Lettering and identifying marks are clear and sharp, and the critical areas of X-rays and
 photomicrographs are isolated.
• Only the following standard characters, for which the printer has type, are used:      *+
• Single figures do not exceed 12 x 7 cm or groups of figures do not exceed 12 x 14 cm.
• Figures are placed in a labeled envelope. No paperclips, glue, or tape has been used on art.

Acknowledgments
• If appropriate, technical assistance or assistance from colleagues is acknowledged.