Overview
ISO 9173-3:2014 - “Dentistry - Extraction forceps - Part 3: Design” is the international standard that specifies design principles for dental extraction forceps. Published in 2014 as Part 3 of the ISO 9173 series, it defines how beaks, joints and handles are classified and described, and identifies essential design features manufacturers should use when producing extraction forceps for adult and pediatric use.
Key Topics
- Scope and references
- Part 3 focuses exclusively on design and complements ISO 9173-1 (requirements/tests) and ISO 9173-2 (designation).
- Normative references include ISO 1942 (dentistry vocabulary) and ISO 15087 (dental elevators).
- Terms, symbols and dimensions
- Defines key terms (beak, joint, handle) and symbols for dimensions (beak thickness, crown space width, beak separation, offsets, overall length). Measurement points and figures are provided for consistent dimensional reporting.
- Classification of joints
- Recognized joint types: circular, lap, box lock Type 1, box lock Type 2.
- Joints must allow the forceps to move freely; PTFE sheets are recommended for circular joints.
- Handle design and types
- Handle shapes: straight, curved, and multiple curved. Several illustrative handle types (e.g., knurled, anatomical indentations, palm grasp, Read-pattern) are shown.
- Design guidance: handle surface must be easy to clean; grip features (knurling, finger curves) improve stability and leverage.
- Typical orientation: maxillary forceps often have upward-curved handles; mandibular forceps commonly have straight handles at a 90° angle to the beak.
- Beak design
- Beaks classified by inner area and surface: coated / non-coated and smooth / serrated.
- Beaks designed to fit cervical tooth geometry; pointed beaks for furcation and multi-rooted teeth. Universal beaks suit any quadrant.
- Intended application
- Manufacturers must indicate intended application (adult/child, tooth/region) consistent with ISO 9173-2.
Applications - Who uses this standard
- Dental instrument manufacturers - for product design, documentation and classification.
- Product designers and R&D teams - to ensure ergonomic, hygienic and functional forceps design.
- Regulatory and quality engineers - for conformity assessment and procurement specifications.
- Dental clinics and procurement - to select forceps appropriate for intended clinical use (maxillary vs mandibular, pediatric vs adult).
- Standards writers and educators - for training and harmonizing terminology.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 9173-3, extraction forceps design, dentistry standard, dental instruments, forceps beak, joint design, handle types, maxillary mandibular forceps.
