Sponsored articles are not currently an established publishing product at The Young Dentist.
This policy sets the standards that would apply if sponsored, partner or other paid editorial-style material is introduced in the future.
Why This Policy Exists
Readers should be able to distinguish independent editorial material from content that exists because of a commercial relationship.
These rules establish commercial boundaries before such a format exists, so payment cannot blur the difference between promotion and independent journalism.
If Sponsored Content Is Introduced
- the commercial relationship must be disclosed clearly;
- paid material must remain distinguishable from independent editorial content;
- commercial payment must not make misleading or unsafe claims acceptable;
- sponsorship must not provide control over unrelated independent editorial coverage.
Labels and Meaning
Depending on the format, future commercial editorial-style material may use labels such as Sponsored, Sponsored Content, Partner Content, Advertisement, Paid Promotion or Press Release.
- Sponsored Content
- Material that exists because of a paid commercial relationship and is presented in an editorial-style format.
- Partner Content
- Commercially supported material associated with an identified partner or collaboration.
- Advertisement
- Traditional advertising or promotional material supplied or funded by an advertiser.
- Press Release
- Announcement material supplied by a company or organisation and identified as such.
Potentially Appropriate Topics
If sponsored formats are introduced, potentially relevant subjects may include dental equipment, materials, digital dentistry, dental AI, imaging, scanning, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, software, laboratories, education, events, recruitment, professional services, universities, industry reports and appropriate oral-health products.
Relevance to dentistry or oral health would not by itself make every proposed topic or claim suitable for publication.
Claims We Would Reject
- unsupported health or clinical claims;
- guaranteed treatment outcomes;
- unsafe or unlawfully marketed products;
- deceptive testimonials;
- fabricated professional endorsements;
- misleading before-and-after claims;
- fraudulent or deceptive services;
- counterfeit products;
- material deliberately disguised as independent editorial content.
Clinical and Scientific Claims
Commercial presentation should not cause readers to mistake promotional claims for independent clinical conclusions. Clinical claims may require supporting evidence, accurate qualification of limitations, correct regulatory context and a clear distinction between company claims and independent evidence.
Reviews, Rankings and Independent Coverage
Sponsored visibility must remain separate from independent reviews and rankings. A sponsor cannot purchase a positive independent review, favourable score or higher editorial position.
See the Rankings and Reviews Methodology and Ownership and Funding.
Commercial Contact and Related Policies
Questions about future commercial formats may be sent to advertising@theyoungdentist.com.
See Advertising, Editorial Policy and Ethics Policy.