SPRINGVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Bluefield College and Tazewell County officials have announced plans for a new dental school.

The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports that a memorandum of understanding was signed Friday at the Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park, which will be the site of the school.

Bluefield College president David Olive said the school could start enrolling students by the fall of 2015. He said it will help address the shortage of dentists in Appalachia.

Olive said one goal is to have third- and fourth-year students work in rural clinics to help provide dental care in under-served areas.

Tazewell County Administrator Jim Spencer said the dental school also will boost the region's economy.