Overview
EN ISO 9173-1:2016 - "Dentistry - Extraction forceps - Part 1: General requirements" defines general performance, material and testing requirements for dental extraction forceps. Published by CEN/ISO, this standard ensures extraction forceps are safe, durable and reprocessable for routine clinical use. It applies to manufacturers, test labs, regulatory teams and dental clinics concerned with quality, sterilization and device marking of dental instruments.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: General performance requirements for extraction forceps used in dentistry.
- Materials: Component parts (except fastening components) must be stainless steel conforming to applicable surgical-steel guidance (see ISO 7153‑1).
- Maximum overall length: ≤ 200 mm.
- Hardness: Heat treated to 40 HRC to 52 HRC (Rockwell C, per ISO 6508‑1). Mating surfaces (e.g., opposing beaks) must not differ by more than 3 HRC units.
- Surface finish: All surfaces free of defects, burrs or flash; textured or serrated beak patterns must be consistent within a model.
- Resistance to reprocessing: Instruments must show no evidence of corrosion and must comply with requirements after 100 reprocessing cycles, performed per manufacturer instructions and ISO 17664 (reprocessing includes cleaning, disinfection and sterilization - autoclave testing is the selected reprocessing test in this revision).
- Joint performance: Smooth opening/closing with operating torque between 0.20 N·m and 0.68 N·m; no perceptible sideways movement throughout motion up to a 50 mm handle opening.
- Marking: Permanent marking required for manufacturer/brand, pattern number and lot number (ISO 9173 marking optional).
Test methods (summary)
- Visual inspection for surface defects and serration consistency (no magnification required).
- Reprocessing test: 100 complete cycles per ISO 17664; inspect for corrosion and retest hardness and joint movement.
- Joint force test: Measure torque required to close from a 50 mm handle opening.
- Joint movement test: Check for sideplay by applying perpendicular force at handle ends.
Applications - who uses this standard
- Dental instrument manufacturers and designers for product development and compliance.
- Quality, sterilization and R&D engineers performing material selection, heat treatment and life-cycle testing.
- Regulatory and conformity-assessment teams preparing technical files for CE marking and national approvals.
- Sterile processing departments and dental clinics for procurement specifications and acceptance testing.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 9173-1:2016, extraction forceps standard, dental extraction forceps, dental instruments, sterilization, reprocessing, Rockwell hardness, stainless steel, medical device marking.