Overview
ISO 21672-2:2012 specifies the designation system for periodontal probes used in dentistry. It defines how manufacturers should name and mark probes using a standardized four‑digit functional designation combined with the probe’s pattern name. This designation improves clarity in manufacturing, procurement, labelling and clinical communication about periodontal probes.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Designation format: A periodontal probe’s designation = pattern name [functional designation].
The functional designation is four digits: digit1/digit2/digit3/digit4 representing Type / Graduated scale / Profile / Colour coding.
- First digit - Type (Table 1): maps probe type to digits 0–5 (0 = not specified, 1–5 = Types 1–5 as classified in ISO 21672‑1).
- Second digit - Graduated scale (Table 2): specifies the millimetre markings on the working end. Options include:
- 0 = not specified
- 1 = 3.5–5.5–8.5–11.5 mm
- 2 = 1–2–3–5–7–8–9–10 mm
- 3 = 3–6–8–11 mm
- 4 = 3–6–9–12 mm
- 5 = 2–4–6–8–10–12 mm
- Third digit - Profile (Table 3): shape of the working end:
- 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
- 2 = (reserved/other)
- Marking and labelling:
- Probes should be indelibly marked with the full designation; at minimum the pattern name must be marked.
- Primary packaging should be labelled with the designation; catalog entries shall include it.
- Examples provided (Annex A): e.g., a Type 1, 3.5–5.5–8.5–11.5 mm, spherical, colour‑coded probe → designation “1111”.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Manufacturers: standardizes product naming, catalogue entries, and packaging to support global distribution and regulatory compliance.
- Design and R&D teams: ensures consistent specification of probe features (scale, tip profile, colour coding).
- Procurement and supply chain: simplifies ordering and inventory management by using clear, machine‑readable designations.
- Dental clinics and professionals: aids selection of the correct probe type for clinical protocols and record keeping.
- Regulatory and quality managers: supports conformity assessment, traceability and labelling requirements.
Related Standards
- ISO 21672-1:2012 - Dentistry - Periodontal probes - Part 1: General requirements (classification and technical requirements referenced by Part 2)
- ISO 1942 - Dentistry - Vocabulary (terms and definitions used)
Keywords: ISO 21672-2, periodontal probes designation, dental instruments standard, probe graduated scale, probe colour coding, dentistry standard, probe labelling.
