Dental Education & Research

An Incredible Study: How to address a Doctor in Person?

How to address a Doctor in Person? A “ doctor ” is considered to be one of the most esteemed careers, whether the person is a medical or dental doctor, or a...

Dr. Rockson Samuel

Dr. Rockson Samuel

Founder & Chief Dentist · Indira Dental Clinic; DentalReach

5 min read109,384 views
  • doctor patient relationship
  • professional education
  • addressing doctors
  • dentistry
  • patient communication
  • gender roles
  • location influence
  • professionalism
  • Dental Education & Research
  • Clinical & Academic Article

How to address a Doctor in Person?

A “doctor” is considered to be one of the most esteemed careers, whether the person is a medical or dental doctor, or a doctor of any science. There are a number of different abbreviations after a doctor's name, and it's unlikely that you will know them all. I'm an oral pathologist. I work in such an environment where no one calls me by my name, Dr. Rashi Sharma. They all address me by “doctor”. I have asked them to use my name but I could not do much about it. I miss hearing my own name at my workplace! So, in reality, How to address a Doctor in Person? In today’s time, more doctors introduce themselves by their first names, even signing the same when they send an email, while other physicians may get offended, if a patient calls them by their first name. After all, there’s a very real sense that after so many years of education, along with blood, sweat, and tears - not to mention thousands of dollars - the title of “Doctor” should not be taken casually.

First Name Preference

First name is just a ticket for a renowned Plastic-surgeon, Dr. Saurabh Sharma (MS, MCH), in North India (Punjab region). “I personally prefer patients to call me by my first name,” says Sharma. " It allows me to connect with patients as an individual and not merely as a doctor. It also allows me to be a better surgeon and truly understand the patient’s condition and history. All of that may ultimately lead to better patient outcomes", he says. He also mentioned that with kids, it’s always better to be informal. He prefers to have a relaxed and funny atmosphere in the office with the kids. A first name helps distinguish him from his father and his wife, who are also in the same practice. At the end of the day, Dr. Sharma finds it amusing and advises to not take the name matter too seriously.

Role of Gender: How to address a Doctor in Person

Dr. Surbhi Sharma, is another renowned Gynaecologist in North India (Punjab region). She says her patients frequently refer to her by her first name, even after she’s introduced herself as “Doctor.” “While I’m not offended by this action, I often wonder if this is due to my female gender, Dr. Sharma says. I do believe that when a patient or staff refers to you as ‘Doctor X,’ they are communicating respect and trust. In addition, being a female surgeon, I find that introducing myself as ‘Doctor’ helps to clarify my role. "

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References

  1. [1]Taub S. The Trend Toward Casual Address and Dress in the Medical Profession AMA Journal of Ethics. 2001. Available at: source
  2. [2]American Dental Association. ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct: Veracity ADA Code of Ethics. Available at: source

Written by

Dr. Rockson Samuel

Dr. Rockson Samuel

Founder & Chief Dentist · Indira Dental Clinic; DentalReach

Dr. Rockson Samuel is a dental surgeon, healthcare content strategist, and Founder and Chief Dentist of Indira Dental Clinic in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. He provides comprehensive general and family dental care with professional interests in endodontics, implant dentistry, clear aligner therapy, digital dentistry, preventive care and patient education. A graduate of K.G.F. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, he also has formal training in management and digital marketing. As Community Leader at DentalReach, he contributes to dental publishing, professional education, international media partnerships and the development of evidence-informed resources for dentists.

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