Overview
EN ISO 18739:2026, Dentistry - Vocabulary of process chain for CAD/CAM systems (ISO 18739:2026), is an international standard developed by CEN and ISO Technical Committees for Dentistry. This document provides a comprehensive set of terms and definitions used in the process chain for computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems in dentistry. It aims to standardize the language across dental professionals, manufacturers, and technicians, reducing confusion and miscommunication in both clinical and laboratory environments.
The standard replaces the previous edition, EN ISO 18739:2016, and includes updated terminology and additional terms reflecting advances in dental CAD/CAM technology and workflows.
Key Topics
EN ISO 18739:2026 addresses key terminology associated with the entire CAD/CAM process chain in dentistry, including:
- Process step terms: Clear definitions for each step in digital dental workflows, from 3D data acquisition and scanning to digital design, manufacturing, and final restoration.
- File formats: Descriptions of common 3D model file formats such as STL, OBJ, and PLY, which facilitate data exchange between systems.
- Data sets and structures: Clarification on various data types, including raw data sets, manufacturing data sets, and virtual models.
- Types of manufacturing: Explanation of additive (3D printing) and subtractive (milling) manufacturing methods used to produce dental appliances and restorations.
- Devices and hardware: Definitions for equipment such as CAD/CAM systems, milling machines, digital impression devices, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and hand-held scanners.
- Measurement and calibration: Terms related to accuracy, calibration, repeatability, reproducibility, and error types, crucial for ensuring quality and precision in digital dentistry.
These standardized terms promote harmonized communication, technical documentation, and interoperability among various stakeholders engaged in dental digital workflows.
Applications
Adopting the vocabulary established by EN ISO 18739:2026 benefits multiple aspects of digital dentistry:
- Clinical practice: Dentists and dental technicians can use consistent terminology when discussing digital impressions, prosthesis design, and manufacturing requirements.
- Dental laboratories: Standardized terms support efficient communication between technicians, software developers, and device manufacturers, reducing errors and remakes.
- Manufacturing and development: Dental CAD/CAM system vendors and software developers utilize the vocabulary to create user-friendly interfaces, technical manuals, and training materials.
- Quality assurance: Clear measurement and calibration terminology ensures accurate assessment of devices, processes, and final products, supporting compliance with international quality standards.
- Education and training: Dental schools and continuing education programs can use the standard as a reference for teaching modern digital dentistry workflows.
By establishing a common language, the standard enables efficient collaboration across international and multidisciplinary teams, supporting seamless integration of CAD/CAM technology into dental practices and labs.
Related Standards
Implementation of EN ISO 18739:2026 is complemented by several related international standards, including:
- ISO 5725-1: Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results.
- ISO/ASTM 52900: Additive manufacturing - General principles and vocabulary.
- ISO 10360-1: Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Acceptance and reverification tests for coordinate measuring machines.
- ISO/TR 22710: Dentistry - General requirements for CAD/CAM systems.
Dental professionals and manufacturers are encouraged to consult these and other harmonized standards to ensure full compatibility and optimal quality management within digital dentistry workflows.
Keywords: dentistry, CAD/CAM systems, dental vocabulary, digital workflow, 3D scanning, additive manufacturing, digital impression, dental standards, ISO 18739