Course Accreditation (STAC)

Important notice:

The Joint Meeting of Dental Faculties (JMDF) are working to establish a new Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) committee to help with the finalisation of the standards document for 2026, which has been commissioned and is building on the 2020 publication.

In light of this ongoing work, during this period, the business of the Sedation Training Accreditation Committee (STAC) will be as follows:

1. There is a temporary pause in the processing of the following applications:

  • Accreditation of a Dental Sedation Course leading to independent clinical practice.
  • Courses and Supervisors requiring reaccreditation will have a grace period until the new standards are published.

2. The processing of the following applications will recommence (as of 6 July 2026)

Applications will be processed in date order of receipt, including those already received:

  • Approval of a Clinical Supervisor for Dental Sedation Experience leading to independent practice which is linked to an existing course.
  • Approval for “Additional Clinical Supervisor” for a currently approved course.

You need to apply for course accreditation if your course trains individuals in a conscious sedation technique for independent practice.

Accreditation lasts for three years. After this time, you can apply to reaccredit your course via STAC.

You do not need to apply for STAC course accreditation if your course is:

  • run by a university dental school or a postgraduate deanery; or,
  • NEBDN accredited.

However, to allow independent practice training provided should follow the standards as set out in the IACSD Report. Courses that fall into one of the above two categories can apply for STAC accreditation should they wish. An application to STAC would be required.

Potential STAC Accredited Course Supervisors for clinical experience must demonstrate their own relevant knowledge, skills and experience before supervising sedation new starters. Supervisors are expected to have completed a minimum of 50 cases of the technique being supervised over the preceding two year period. This number must not include any cases completed during the supervisor's own supervised clinical practice.

Sedation update courses for experienced practitioners do not require accreditation.

Application forms

Staffing of your course may change. You should advise STAC by email if any of your course supervisors leave the course.

Fees for accreditation and reaccreditation

Non-profit organisations/NHS: £200 + VAT

For-profit organisations/industry sponsored: £400 + VAT

When you submit an application, you will be asked to specify whether your course will be run on a for-profit basis or will be delivered free of charge to train NHS practitioners.

Timeline for processing applications 

STAC will endeavour to process applications under normal circumstances as follows: 

1. Acknowledge receipt of application – By email within five working days.

2. Initial feedback – Within 20 working days of receipt.

3. Final feedback – Within 30 working days of receipt, dependent of the applicant addressing any outstanding issue promptly.