American Dental Association and Dental Trade Alliance Co-Hosted annual International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 106 for Dentistry (ISO/TC106)

Dear DTA Member:

In 2011, the American Dental Association and the Dental Trade Alliance had the honor of co-hosting the annual International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 106 for Dentistry (ISO/TC106) meeting on September 18-24th in Phoenix, Arizona immediately following the FDI meeting in Mexico City. More than 350 Delegates were in attendance, comprised of manufacturers, dentists, researchers, educators, governments, and professional dental associations from 24 member countries.

Harmonization of standards and regulatory requirements is the best approach to facilitate global market access, competition, and growth. As fair international competition needs to be based on identifiable, clearly defined references from one country to the next, international standards can help by establishing better quality control, eliminating duplicative requirements, and promoting the worldwide acceptance of products.

ISO is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies from more than 145 countries. ISO Technical Committee 106 for Dentistry (ISO/TC106) is the committee responsible for the development of international dental standards for restorative materials, prosthodontic materials, terminology, instruments, equipment, oral hygiene products and dental implants. As the sole US member body to ISO, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited the ADA as the Secretary and sponsor of the US Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for ISO/TC106 which is responsible for the development of the US input and vote on all ISO/TC106 documents.

It has been fourteen years since the ADA hosted this important meeting and its function is critical to the dental trade. Over 65 working groups met during the week on the development of international standards for dental products.

Sincerely,

Gary Price Executive Director Dental Trade Alliance	Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin Executive Director American Dental Association

Please visit the OSAP Web Site - Dentistry's Resource for Infection Control & Safety. www.OSAP.org or call 800-298-OSAP (6727).