Overview
The Conscious Sedation in Dentistry PGCert aims to provide you with:
- a systematic understanding of the theoretical principles. This will underpin conscious sedation in dentistry and the care of patients undergoing sedation.
- a comprehensive practical understanding of clinical skills in intravenous and inhalational sedation techniques, as applicable to UK practice in dentistry
The programme is one of the few in the UK that provides dentists with Level 7 PG Certificate training in sedation. We provide students with hands-on clinical training. You gain the key knowledge base and skills in conscious sedation required to practice conscious sedation as an independent practitioner.
Find out more in our School of Dental Sciences postgraduate taught programmes brochure.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
PGCert – Postgraduate Certificate
A PGCert is awarded if you successfully complete half of the taught modules (60 credits).
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll learn
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
This one-year part-time course consists of 4 didactic days of lectures and seminars. It also includes 15 supervised clinical attachment sessions.
Didactic and clinical teaching occurs over a full academic year.
All study days and clinical sessions take place at the Newcastle Dental Hospital.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essay
- Observation of professional practice
- Portfolio
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100 for Dentistry – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 100 for Medical and Health – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Our facilities include:
- a cone beam CT scanner and implant planning software. This is used for patients treated on our implant programmes
- in-house production laboratories providing excellent learning opportunities around clinician-technician communication
- excellent library and computing facilities on-site
- research laboratories in Oral Biology, Anthropology and Dental Materials Science
- a dedicated clinical research facility. It offers clinical training and research opportunities of the highest international standard
Find out about our dental facilities
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
- Primary dental qualification – BDS or equivalent
- Full registration as a dentist with the UK General Dental Council
- Professional Indemnity Certificate
- documentary evidence of attendance at ILS and PILS courses or equivalent medical emergency/life support skills that is less than 12 months old when the course officially commences in October
Clinical access requirement
Your clinical placement will be within the Newcastle Dental Hospital clinics. You must have:
- been granted clinical access by the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust before starting this placement.
- the required immunisation against blood-borne viral diseases and you must not have any disease which would constitute a hazard to patients.
You will be given a health check soon after registration by the Occupational Health Department of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Failure to obtain the necessary access will result in your automatic withdrawal from the course.
