Derriford to be fourth base for Peninsula dentists

People without an NHS dentist can receive free treatment from students, under supervision

Work is beginning on a fourth base for the South West's dental school.

Applications for the four-year dentistry course have risen steadily since the Peninsula School of Dentistry opened in 2006.

The school has two bases in Devon - at Exeter and Devonport - and one in Truro, Cornwall.

When the Derriford base opens, student dentists will treat patients, under professional supervision.

It is expected the four bases will, on each day during term time, offer free treatment to more than 500 patients who have been unable to find an NHS dentist.

The Derriford base is expected to open next September.