Overview
ISO 9173-2:2010 - Dentistry - Extraction forceps - Part 2: Functional designation specifies a standardized system to designate dental extraction forceps so clinicians, manufacturers and suppliers can clearly identify the intended functional use of forceps. The standard defines how a traditional manufacturer pattern number is combined with a structured functional designator (based on ISO 3950 tooth/area codes) to produce a global, unambiguous designation for extraction forceps.
Key topics and technical requirements
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Functional designation format
functional designation = pattern number [functional designator]
The functional designator is presented as: [First designator.Second designator.Third designator].
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Pattern number
The manufacturer’s traditional figure/pattern (e.g., 210H, examples in the draft such as #1, #67, #1S) is required and remains the primary instrument identifier.
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Functional designator components
- First designator - jaw scope: universal (00), maxillary (01), mandibular (02).
- Second designator - sextant or area codes (e.g., anterior, posterior sextants using ISO 3950 numerical codes such as 03–08, 04/07 for anterior).
- Third designator - special use: pediatric (1), root forceps (2), tooth-splitting forceps (3), premolar forceps (4).
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Notation rules
- Multiple sextants are separated by a slash (e.g., [06/08]).
- Posterior universal forceps separate upper/lower sextants with a hyphen (e.g., [00.03/05-06/08]).
- Examples provided in the standard illustrate typical combinations (e.g., #1 [00.04/07] for universal anterior forceps).
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Marking, labelling, and catalogue entries
- Forceps must be indelibly marked with the pattern number.
- Primary packaging must carry the pattern number and may include the functional designator.
- Catalogue entries shall include both pattern number and functional designator.
Practical applications and users
- Streamlines ordering and inventory management for dental clinics, hospitals and dental assistants by clarifying intended clinical use (upper/lower, sextant, pediatric/root/splitting).
- Enables consistent product listings for manufacturers, distributors, and catalogue managers.
- Supports regulatory and procurement processes where unambiguous instrument designation is required.
- Useful for standards committees, instrument designers, and dental equipment procurement teams integrating product data with ISO tooth/area codes.
Related standards
- ISO 9173-1 - General requirements and test methods (Part 1)
- ISO 9173-3 - Design and dimensions (Part 3)
- ISO 3950 - Designation system for teeth and areas of the oral cavity (used for functional designator mapping)
- ISO 1942, ISO 7153-1, ISO 13402, ISO 6508-1 - referenced normative documents for terminology, materials and testing
Keywords: ISO 9173-2, dental extraction forceps designation, functional designation, pattern number, dentistry standards, ISO 3950, instrument labelling.
