Here’s to JOE: A Special Q&A with Dr. Ken M. Hargreaves Ahead of Journal’s 50th Anniversary
The year 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Journal of Endodontics. Ahead of this milestone, AAE Assistant Director of Communications & Publishing Elisabeth Lisican asked longtime JOE Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ken M. Hargreaves to reflect on his memorable moments, and look ahead to the future of the Journal.
Reflecting on Tenure
Elisabeth Lisican: Can you share a favorite memorable experience from your time as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Endodontics?
Dr. Ken Hargreaves: My favorite experience is receiving thank-you emails from colleagues around the world who are happy to publish their work in the JOE.
Lisican: What have been some of the most significant changes you’ve observed in endodontic research during your tenure?
Dr. Hargreaves: There has been a substantial increase in evidence-based endodontics and the publication of systematic reviews with meta-analyses. While many of these reviews call out for additional research, they offer key insights into the current state of research in endodontics.
BONUS: Read Dr. Hargreaves’ first editorial from March 2003.
Milestones and Achievements
Lisican: What are some of the key milestones the journal has achieved under your leadership?
Dr. Hargreaves: Actually, it is not “my leadership” — the current and former Associate Editors of the JOE are leaders in our field. They have actively contributed to the continuing evolution of our Journal and the initiatives are truly driven by consensus. Key milestones include web-based manuscript submission and review, a vibrant website that contains the entire collection of JOE articles, options for open-source publication, development of the JOE Paper of the Year Awards, support of the IADR Pulp Biology symposia, no limitations (or costs) for publication of color figures and a growing population of endodontic clinicians and scientists who contribute to the vibrant growth of our specialty.
Lisican: Are there any particular articles or studies published in JOE that you feel had a profound impact on the field of endodontics?
Dr. Hargreaves: To answer this question, I used the Scopus.com web application and sorted the entire collection of 9,438 papers published in the JOE by their life-time number of citations. Here are the top 10 most cited papers:
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- Root canal irrigants, Zehnder M. JOE 2006. 1,281 citations
- Factors affecting the long-term results of endodontic treatment. Sjögren, U, Hägglund, B. Sundqvist, G, Wing, K. JOE 1990. 1,158 citations
- Physical and chemical properties of a new root-endo filling material. Torabinejad M, Hong C, McDonald F, Pitt Ford T. JOE 1995. 1,008 citations
- Current challenges and concepts in the preparation of root canal systems: a review. Peters O. JOE 2004. 961 citations.
- Characterization of the apical papilla and its residing stem cells from human immature permanent teeth: a pilot study. JOE 2008. 925 citations
- Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: A comprehensive literature review. Parts I, II, and II. Parirokh M, Torabinejad M. JOE 2010. 834, 654 and 919 citations.
- Enterococcus faecalis: its role in root canal treatment failure and current concepts in retreatment. Stuart C, Schwartz S, Beeson T, Owatz C. JOE 2006. 808 citations.
- An initial investigation of the bending and torsional properties of nitinol root canal files. Walia H, Brantley W, Gerstein H. JOE 1988. 763 citations.
- Sealing ability of a mineral trioxide aggregate when used as a root end filling material. JOE 1993. 732 citations
- Revascularization of immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis: new treatment protocol. JOE 2004. 696 citations.
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Challenges and Overcoming Them
Lisican: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as the editor-in-chief, and how did you overcome them?
Dr. Hargreaves: In the first few years, some of our initiatives (e.g., narrative review articles) required me to reach out to colleagues who were experts in that area and seek their advice and assistance. Another challenge was switching from mailed printed manuscript submission to an online manuscript submission/review site. This took time for folks to adapt to change.
Lisican: How has the journal adapted to changes in the academic publishing landscape over the years?
Dr. Hargreaves: Our publisher is Elsevier and their production and editing staff have provided wonderful opportunities to identify and adapt to a changing publishing landscape.
Editorial Process and Innovations
Lisican: Can you describe any innovations or changes implemented in the editorial process that improved the journal’s quality?
Dr. Hargreaves: Web-based manuscript submission and review means that authors from around the world can contribute to the knowledge base of our stakeholders.
Lisican: How do you ensure that the journal maintains its high standards?
Dr. Hargreaves: Our Associate Editors are leaders and experts across the breadth of our specialty. This coupled with excellent reviewers and blinded reviews helps to maintain high standards.
Impact and Influence
Lisican: In your view, how has the Journal of Endodontics influenced the practice and study of endodontics globally?
Dr. Hargreaves: Our specialty has two major international journals, the JOE and the IEJ, and several important regional journals. We can see global impact in the sense that articles from the JOE and IEJ often cite papers from both journals.
Lisican: Can you discuss any notable collaborations or partnerships that have enhanced the Journal’s impact?
Dr. Hargreaves: Our partnership with Elsevier has greatly enhanced the Journal’s impact.
Future of Endodontics
Lisican: What trends or advancements do you foresee in the field of endodontics over the next decade?
Dr. Hargreaves: I believe the field will continue to evolve new technologies and treatment protocols that will further improve our ability to save the natural tooth and treat apical periodontitis.
Lisican: How do you see the Journal of Endodontics evolving to meet the needs of future researchers and practitioners?
Dr. Hargreaves: The JOE plays a critical role in providing endodontists with access to research needed to incorporate evidence-based care of our patients. As we incorporate digital delivery of this information across the AAE communication channels, this will improve timely delivery of this information to the endodontist and our broader community.
Personal Reflections
Lisican: What initially drew you to the field of endodontics and to an editorial role?
Dr. Hargreaves: I started out as a dentist with a strong interest in treating and better understanding pain biology. This led to my PhD and post-doc years at the NIDCR. At the same time, my part-time practice focused mostly on NSRCT as my colleagues preferred cast restorations. It was Jeff Hutter, as Chair of the US Navy Department of Endodontics, who played a key role in introducing me to the specialty and Harold Messer who created the opportunity for me to undertake specialty training while running a pain research lab.
Lisican: How has your role as editor-in-chief influenced your own research and professional development?
Dr. Hargreaves: It has taught me the critical importance of building teams and celebrating success. It has also improved my writing and organizational skills.
Advice for Aspiring Researchers
Lisican: What advice would you give to young researchers and authors looking to publish in the Journal of Endodontics?
Dr. Hargreaves: The phenotype of a successful young researcher is a person with high motivation, voracious reading skills, good hands, and a supporting network that includes successful mentors.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
Lisican: What does the 50th anniversary of the Journal of Endodontics mean to you personally and professionally?
Dr. Hargreaves: This is a true milestone for our specialty. Al Frank probably said it best in the inaugural issue of the JOE: “A considerable united and concerted effort will be necessary to effect the success and perpetuation of this infant publication. Each of us interested in endodontics must become involved.” The JOE is successful due to its authors, readers, reviewers, and editorial team.
Lisican: How do you plan to celebrate this milestone, and what message would you like to convey to the journal’s readers and contributors?
Dr. Hargreaves: We will have several events over 2025 to celebrate the JOE with a major celebration at AAE25.
Looking Back and Ahead
Lisican: Reflecting on your time with the journal, what are you most proud of?
Dr. Hargreaves: I am most proud of the team that we have developed and our efforts to serve our specialty.
Lisican: As you look to the future, what are your hopes for the Journal of Endodontics and its role in advancing the field?
Dr. Hargreaves: The JOE will continue to serve our specialty and patients by delivering outstanding research to help endodontists make the best treatment decisions for saving teeth and treating apical periodontitis.