A decision on the 90-place training school is due in the autumn

The Peninsula Medical School's proposals, if approved, could help relieve the region's shortage.

In January, 20 Polish dentists were recruited to treat some of the 16,000 NHS patients in the region unable to get treatment.

Most dentists remain in the area where they studied and the school says local training should not be underestimated.

"The best way of securing a strong health care workforce is to train people locally Professor John Tooke, Peninsula Medical School

The bid for a regional dental school has been made jointly by the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, the NHS in Devon and Cornwall and the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth.

Professor John Tooke, the dean of the Peninsula Medical School, said: "The best way of securing a strong health care workforce is to train people locally.

"We think we can do that in an inventive way which will produce highly competent, very professional dentists who are aware of the broader dimension of their subject, as well as having the appropriate clinical skills."

Adrian Tyas from the Cornwall Primary Care Support Agency says the agency would hope to offer newly-qualified dentists good contracts to encourage them to stay in the region.

The decision on the 90-place training school is due to be made by the Department of Health in the autumn and if approved, training would begin in 2007.