Overview
ISO 18739:2016 - "Dentistry - Vocabulary of process chain for CAD/CAM systems" is an international standard that defines preferred terms, synonyms and precise definitions used throughout the CAD/CAM process chain in dentistry. Its objective is to harmonize terminology used by manufacturers, laboratories and clinicians for digital workflows such as 3D data acquisition, CAD design, CAM manufacturing and quality assessment.
The standard organizes terminology into core sections (Scope, Normative references, Terms and definitions) and includes an informative flow chart of the CAD/CAM process chain (Annex A) to illustrate logical sequencing.
Key topics
ISO 18739 covers technical vocabulary and related concepts including:
- Process step terms: 3D data acquisition, 3D scanning, digital impression, CAD process, CAM system, manufacturing data set, virtual model.
- File formats and data structures: references to common interchange formats such as STL and IGES, data set, data record, polygonization, triangulation.
- Manufacturing methods: additive manufacturing (rapid prototyping), subtractive manufacturing (milling), and related concepts (rapid prototyping, milling paths).
- Measurement and calibration: accuracy, calibration, error of measurement, drift, measurand and transfer function - terms used to describe metrological performance of devices and processes.
- Scanning and digitization: optical scanning, light scanning, reflective surface, digitizing device, volume data acquisition and surface reverse engineering.
- Quality and interoperability concepts: artifact, direct/indirect error, fit, data structure, manufacturing data set.
The document also cross-references related normative standards (ISO 1942, ISO 5725-1, ISO 16443, ISO 17296-1) to ensure consistent definitions across dental and additive manufacturing vocabulary.
Applications
ISO 18739 is practical for:
- Dental device and CAD/CAM system manufacturers - for consistent product descriptions, user documentation and software interfaces.
- Dental laboratories and technicians - to standardize communication about digital impressions, STL files, CAM outputs and milling or 3D printing processes.
- Dentists and clinicians - to understand terms in workflows for digital impressions, virtual models and restoration fit.
- Software developers and integrators - to improve interoperability and reduce ambiguity in file exchange and process steps.
- Regulators, educators and standards committees - to reference agreed terminology in regulations, curricula and further standards development.
Who uses this standard
- Dental laboratories, clinicians, CAD/CAM manufacturers, dental software developers, standards bodies and regulatory authorities.
Related standards
Normative references included in ISO 18739:
- ISO 1942 (Dentistry - Vocabulary)
- ISO 5725-1 (Accuracy of measurement methods)
- ISO 16443 (Dental implants vocabulary)
- ISO 17296-1 (Additive manufacturing - Terminology)
Using ISO 18739 helps reduce ambiguity in the digital dentistry supply chain, improving communication, interoperability and the reliability of CAD/CAM restorations.