Overview
EN ISO 21672-2:2012 - Dentistry - Periodontal probes - Part 2: Designation specifies how periodontal probes are to be named and identified. It defines a standardized four‑digit functional designation (used together with the manufacturer’s pattern name) that communicates the probe’s type, graduated scale, working‑end profile and colour coding. This part complements ISO 21672‑1:2012 (General requirements) and supports consistent marking, labelling and catalogue entries for periodontal probes.
Key topics and requirements
- Designation format: A periodontal probe’s designation = pattern name [functional designation].
- Functional designation = digit1 / digit2 / digit3 / digit4 (type / graduated scale / profile / colour coding).
- First digit - Type (Table 1):
- 0 = not specified; 1–5 = Type 1 to Type 5 (as classified in ISO 21672‑1).
- Second digit - Graduated scale (Table 2): maps digits to standard mm markings on the working end (examples given include 3,5–5,5–8,5–11,5 mm; 1–2–3–5–7–8–9–10 mm; 3–6–8–11 mm; 3–6–9–12 mm; 2–4–6–8–10–12 mm).
- Third digit - Profile (Table 3):
- 0 = not specified, 1 = spherical end, 2 = domed end, 3 = rectangular flat end with rounded corners.
- Fourth digit - Colour coding (Table 4):
- 0 = non‑colour coded, 1 = colour coded.
- Marking and labelling: Probes should be indelibly marked with the full designation; at minimum the pattern name must be indelibly marked on the instrument. Primary packaging and catalogue entries should include the designation (pattern name as minimum).
Applications and who uses this standard
- Manufacturers and designers of dental instruments use EN ISO 21672‑2:2012 to create consistent part numbers and product labels for periodontal probes.
- Regulatory and quality teams rely on the standard for compliance, traceability and procurement specifications.
- Purchasing departments and catalogue managers use the designation to ensure accurate ordering and product comparison.
- Clinicians and dental clinics benefit indirectly through clearer product identification, ensuring the correct probe type and graduated scale are selected for periodontal assessment.
Related standards
- ISO 21672‑1:2012 - Dentistry - Periodontal probes - Part 1: General requirements (design, dimensions and performance requirements referenced by Part 2).
- ISO 1942 - Dentistry - Vocabulary (for terminology used in designation).
Using the standardized EN ISO 21672‑2:2012 designation improves interoperability, reduces ordering errors and supports clear technical documentation for periodontal probes. Keywords: EN ISO 21672‑2:2012, periodontal probes, probe designation, dentistry standard, probe graduated scale, colour coding, marking and labelling.
