ISO 9173-2:2010

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

• Functional designation format
  functional designation = pattern number [functional designator]
  The functional designator is presented as: [First designator.Second designator.Third designator].

• 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.

• 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).

• 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).

• 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.