Overview
ISO 18618:2025 - “Dentistry - Interoperability of CAD/CAM systems” defines an XML-based interchange format (IDS) to enable reliable transfer of dental case data and CAD/CAM data between software systems. This third edition (2025) updates the IDS XML schema (Annex A) to reflect rapid software innovation and expanded examples for restorations, implants, removables, orthodontics and dentures. The standard targets open interoperability between dental practices, laboratories, manufacturers and software vendors.
Key topics and technical requirements
- IDS XML format and XSD: A normative XML schema (Annex A) and examples (Annex B) describe structure, elements and validation rules for exchanging cases, orders and CAD data. XSD 1.1 is referenced for schema definition.
- Document structure and catalogues: Defines top-level nodes such as Submission, Case, Order, CADDataCatalogue, FileCatalogue, PatientCatalogue, DentistCatalogue, ProductCatalogue and IDMapCatalogue for organized data references.
- Identifiers and UUIDs: Uses universally unique identifiers (UUID) to key elements and an IDMap facility to associate external identifiers with IDS UUIDs.
- Transactions and workflows: Supports submission, query (DataQuery), update, delivery (DeliveryRequest), notification and catalogue publication to cover common digital workflows.
- Extensibility: ExtraInfo nodes allow proprietary or experimental XML to be embedded without breaking validation; recommended encapsulation practices are described.
- Terminology and numbering: Aligns with ISO dentistry vocabularies and includes numbering systems for teeth/areas (ISO 3950) and measurement units.
- Data security & storage: Addresses privacy, authentication and integrity considerations for data at rest and in transit; emphasizes that implementers must manage security according to applicable laws and best practices.
- Normative references: Integrates relevant standards (ISO 1942, ISO 3950, ISO 16443, ISO 18739) and W3C XML/XSD specifications.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 18618:2025 is intended for:
- Dental CAD/CAM software vendors implementing interoperable import/export of scans, STL/mesh, and design files.
- Dental laboratories exchanging digital prescriptions, order status, delivery instructions and CAD data with clinics and manufacturers.
- Dental clinics and practices that submit digital cases and receive manufactured restorations or appliances.
- Manufacturers and implant system providers sending/receiving design and production data.
- System integrators and EHR/Practice Management vendors linking CAD/CAM workflows to patient and billing systems.
Practical benefits include reduced manual data entry, fewer transfer errors, streamlined production workflows and improved traceability across the digital restorative chain.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 18618, dental CAD/CAM interoperability, IDS XML, dental data exchange, XML schema for dentistry, dental software interoperability.
