Overview
EN ISO 18618:2025 (ISO 18618:2025) - "Dentistry - Interoperability of CAD/CAM systems" - specifies an XML format and accompanying XML Schema (XSD) to enable reliable transfer of dental case data and CAD/CAM data between software systems. The third edition (2025) updates the IDS (Interface for Dental CAD/CAM Systems) schema and example XML for modern digital dental products (crowns, inlays, implants, orthodontics, dentures, removables). It has been adopted as a European standard (EN ISO 18618:2025).
Key technical topics and requirements
- XML-based data model: Standardized document structure (IDS) for transactions such as submissions, queries, updates and notifications; supports traceability and source identification.
- XML Schema (XSD 1.1): Normative XML schema included (Annex A) and example schemas (Annex B) to validate IDS documents.
- Defined transaction nodes: Elements for originator, provider, broker, DataQuery, DeliveryRequest, CADDataCatalogue, DentistCatalogue, FileCatalogue and extensibility points (ExtraInfo) for proprietary or experimental XML.
- Data security & storage: Requirements and guidance for safeguarding case data and managing storage (see Clause 4).
- Naming & numbering: Rules for consistent naming and the numbering system for teeth and oral areas (ISO 3950 referenced) to ensure unambiguous clinical references.
- Measurement units: Standardized units and formats for dimensional and numerical data (Clause 7).
- Restrictions & validation: Additional constraints on IDS XML documents and validation rules to promote interoperability and prevent ambiguous implementations.
- Normative references: Integration with related standards such as ISO 1942 (vocabulary), ISO 3166-1 (country codes), ISO 16443 (dental implant vocabulary), ISO 18739 (CAD/CAM process chain) and W3C XML/XSD specifications.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- Dental software developers building practice management, CAD design, CAM milling, and lab management systems to ensure data exchange compatibility.
- Dental laboratories and manufacturers to receive orders and deliver digital designs or finished restorations in a validated, vendor-neutral format.
- Dental clinics and practices to submit cases, receive digital deliveries, and maintain traceability across multiple providers.
- Middleware/broker services that consolidate, route or split orders between originators and providers.
- Integrators and IT architects in healthcare who need to implement secure, standards-based workflows for digital dentistry.
- Regulatory and QA teams referencing the standard for compliance, testing and interoperability certification.
Related standards
For implementation details and the full normative XML schema, consult the official ISO/CEN national standard documents.
