To explain the U.S. TAG, we first have to explain the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO is an international, non-governmental organization that develops global standards through a consensus-based process on a vast array of products and processes. ISO is organized into technical committees based on the subject area and its members are the single most representative standardization body from each participating country. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the U.S. member to ISO.
ISO Technical Committee (TC) 106 develops international standards for dentistry. ANSI has designated the ADA as administrator of the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 106 to develop the U.S. position on all international dental standards. Over 200 volunteers from the profession, industry, academia, and government participate in the U.S TAG which ensures that U.S. interests are considered in the development of international dental standards. All interested stakeholders are welcome and encouraged to participate in the U.S. TAG.
The U.S. TAG is composed of the following eight Sub-TAGs which are responsible for a particular category of international dental standards:
- Sub-TAG 1: Orthodontic & Restorative Materials
- Sub-TAG 2: Prosthodontic Materials
- Sub-TAG 3: Dental Terminology
- Sub-TAG 4: Dental Instruments
- Sub-TAG 6: Dental Equipment
- Sub-TAG 7: Oral Care Products
- Sub-TAG 8: Dental Implants
- Sub-TAG 9: Dental CAD/CAM Systems
Questions? Contact standards@ada.org or call 312.440.2506
Membership information
Membership on Sub-TAGs are open to all U.S. citizens who indicate that they are directly and materially affected by the activity of the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 106. Membership is divided into the following interest categories:
- Producer: A member who represents an organization that produces or sells materials, products, systems or services covered in the scope of the document(s) developed within the committee shall be classified as a producer. NOTE: A technical reimbursement fee is assessed to producer members.
- Consumer: A member, or a member who represents an organization, that in the context of his/her profession purchases or uses materials, products, systems or services covered in the scope of the document(s) developed within the committee shall be classified as a consumer provided that the member could not also be classified as a producer.
- General Interest: A member who does not fit into any of the preceding categories, for example: government agency representatives, representative of consumer groups or research experts.
Download information about joining the U.S. TAG as a:
- Consumer and General Interest Member (PDF)
- Producer Member (PDF)
Meetings
Standards Committee Meetings
The SCDP (ADA Standards Committee on Dental Products - national dental product standards), SCDI (ADA Standards Committee on Dental Informatics - national dental informatics standards) and U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO Technical Committee 106 on Dentistry (U.S. position on international dental standards) will be holding their next meetings March 13-15 in Portland, OR just before the AADOCR meeting. In-person and virtual meeting attendance is possible - registration is required for all.
ISO/TC 106 Meeting
The next meetings of ISO/TC 106 will be held September 16-19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Meeting details will be posted as they become available.