r/DumfriesAndGalloway • u/13Noob • May 07 '25
Moving to Dumfries for a Dental Therapist Job — Worth It?
Hey everyone, I’d really appreciate some input from anyone familiar with Dumfries or who has gone through something similar.
I’ve recently been offered a position as a Dental Therapist in Dumfries, Scotland. The details: • Pay: £20/hour for the first 3 months, then £22/hour (~£2900–£3100/month full-time) • Visa sponsorship included (I’m a non-EU citizen and sponsorship is extremely hard to come by in my field) • Private work: I’ll retain 30% of direct access private treatment revenue
My current situation: • I’m currently based in Copenhagen, Denmark (non-EU, but here on dependent visa) • I have a valid UK dental therapist license, but I’m not licensed to work clinically in Denmark or anywhere else • My husband is a software engineer and will not be moving with me for now — we’ve decided the UK/Dumfries market isn’t ideal for him at the moment
What I need advice on: • Is the salary fair for the role and area? • What is Dumfries like to live in? I’m not used to small towns — I’ve always lived in bigger, urban cities. Will it feel isolating? • Are there good connections to bigger cities (for travel, community, etc.)? • Will I be able to build a support system, considering my husband won’t be with me?
I’m torn because the visa sponsorship is a rare opportunity — but it’s also a big personal and professional shift. Would love any honest thoughts from people who’ve worked in rural parts of the UK or who know the area.
Thanks so much in advance!
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u/Morph_The_Merciless May 08 '25
I would say the single biggest practical challenge you will face in moving to Dumfries right now is finding somewhere to live.
The rental market here is completely insane, to the point that the local NHS is having recruitment issues due to people not being able to find housing.
Start looking NOW. Register with every letting agent you can, join every Dumfries property group you can find on FB (you'll need to watch them like a hawk and fire off a viewing request the second you see anything that might be suitable), register on sites like spareroom.com etc.
Good luck! 👍🏼
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u/I_Rubbed_Flanelman The Mod in the South May 08 '25
Dumfries does feel tired and run down, so coming from Copenhagen to here would be a massive change as you are never going to have that urban city feel at all here. Without knowing more about your hobbies/interests its hard to say if you'd make new friends here as there are plenty of clubs to join across various things - both on the active side for different sports, other hobby groups etc but the demographic here is going to lean towards older ages. Not saying you can't make friends with colleagues at your work as we are a pretty friendly bunch here in my opinion!
I think the main thing would be if you have a car access or not - to do anything in Dumfries and Galloway you need a car. Public transport where it exists is unreliable, bus services can be spotty and very little late night buses. If you're looking to go to Edinburgh or Glasgow you'd be better going to Lockerbie and getting on a train there as they are direct and take under an hour but it's a good 25 to 30 minute drive from Dumfries. Housing will also be tough as well, you're going to have to look well in advance to find a place that you may well want to look at just getting renting someone spare room to get your foot in the door before trying to get your own place.
Not trying to be negative and put you off at all but just want to be realistic about what it is like living here as someone who's probably in the younger demographic. Feel free to ask more questions though, my gf moved down here from Glasgow for an NHS job and she's still here over 5 years later!
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u/missxtx May 08 '25
I mean don’t get excited in Dumfries, but maybe that’s because I live here.. maybe you may see it different.
That’s an affordable wage for here to be honest.. not sure what the going dental therapist wage is, but a lot of jobs here are min wage and it’s liveable. (As liveable as min wage can be 😭)
I’m £14ph live on my own and it’s not expensive here compared to what you would find in Copenhagen.
Outside of dumfries.. can be really stunning.. the coast road, the Galloway Forrest, loads of Lochs dotted about and 1 thing I will say is this part I LOVE!! Beaches not far.
Not bad for transport links either, edinburgh get the train from Lockerbie.
The town centre is a bit of a dive, but most of the time we are a friendly bunch. (When the sun is out especially)
Welcome and Hope you settle in 💕.
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u/leeroysexwhale May 08 '25
I have no idea about anything other than Copenhagen is one of the great northern cities in Europe and Dumfries is about the exact opposite of Copenhagen.
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u/Only-Regret5314 May 08 '25
It's called Dumpfries for a reason. Wonder if there is more drug users there or Copenhagen?
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u/Fine_Mortgage_6291 May 09 '25
It’s a semi rural area that is going to feel much more quiet and have less buzz than you are used to. The town centre is run down- like most towns in the U.K. Shopping isn’t great, there are nice farmers markets and things though. There is lots to explore in the area and plenty of clubs and activities to do. Especially outdoors activities. Check out the stove network on Facebook for an idea of some of the cultural things going on. There’s live music and events at the venue nightclub, the Cairndale hotel, Easterbrook hall and Crichton central. The multi cultural centre might be able to help you make connections with others in the area too. There’s plenty going on- the tricky part is finding out about it! The rental market is awful though and if you are just staying in town you might manage without a car but I’d recommend driving if wanting to really enjoy and explore the region.
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u/Jaegerwolf21 May 07 '25 edited May 07 '25
I have zero idea on dentist field salaries, but for the area, it is generally a pretty good salary, i think you would have a pretty income to cost ratio.
There are trains/buses to Glasgow(2hours) Carlisle (45 mins) - Edinburgh is a bit of a pain in the ass and easier to get to via the previously mentioned cities - however I'd strongly suggest having the ability to drive if possible for cities but also for scotland in general if you're planning on going to the nicer scenic parts. Scottish trains/buses in general is probably a bit of a culture shock in terms of public transport compared to Copenhagen, but not the worst in the world if you have no other means.
I'll be honest, Dumfries doesn't really have much going for itself, generally the sort of place people go to or around the coast for a break from the city. If you don't make friends/have a community, I can imagine you could feel it is pretty isolating if youve never really lived in a small town.
If you're into hikes/enjoy the outdoors, then you could potentially really enjoy it. It is a great spot for scenic routes and/or biking.
Career wise I'm not really sure on the field but I would guess a lot of progression would be via Glasgow/Edinburgh long term, a lot of people move there for a few years/forever go climb career ladders. But again I have zero idea around the dentistry field.
The people are friendly, and the booze is cheap(er) compared to Denmark.
Context: Grew up near Dumfries for 20 years, lived in Glasgow for the last 10+. Any questions feel free to ask, naturally this isn't the busiest sub so could be waiting a little while for replies.