Editing Doctor (title) (section)

==Worldwide usage==
{{Further|List of doctoral degrees awarded by country|Doctorate#National variations|Doctor of Philosophy#Degrees around the globe}}
[[File:The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda presenting the Phd degree to a student at the 20th Convocation Ceremony of NIMHANS, at Bengaluru on February 13, 2016.jpg|thumb|A doctor receiving her PhD degree during a graduation ceremony]]

===Asia===

====Bangladesh====
In [[Bangladesh]], use of the title of doctor (or Dr) is permitted for PhD degree holders and registered medical practitioners. For registered medical practitioners, only MBBS and BDS degree holders are allowed to use the title and be called "medical doctors".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/bangla_all_sections.php?id=1065|title=Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council Act, 2010. |language=bn |at=29 |publisher=Govt. Of The People Republic Of Bangladesh|access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref> Registered veterinary practitioners may use the title after earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. However, registered homeopathic practitioners also use the title of doctor even though, according to the Homeopathic Practitioners Ordinance 1983, they are only permitted to use "homeopath".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/print_sections_all.php?id=649|title=THE BANGLADESH HOMOEOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE, 1983 (ORDINANCE NO. XLI OF 1983). |publisher=Govt. Of The People Republic Of Bangladesh|access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref> Physiotherapy has no separate council and no act of parliament at present permits the use of the title for physiotherapist, but the [[High Court of Bangladesh|High Court]] has given an interim order that permits physiotherapy graduates to use the title, pending the formation of a separate council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/physiotherapy-bangladesh-ailing-all-along-1991573|title=Physiotherapy in Bangladesh: Ailing all along|date=9 November 2020 |publisher=The Daily Star|access-date=15 June 2024}}</ref> According to the Bangladesh Unani & Ayurvedic Practitioners Ordinance 1983, practitioners of the Unani system are called  "Tabib" or "Hakim" and practitioners of Ayurvedic system are called "Vaid" or "Kabiraj"; both are prohibited from using the title of doctor.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/print_sections_all.php?id=645 |title=BANGLADESH UNANI AND AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE, 1983 (ORDINANCE NO. XXXII OF 1983) |publisher=Govt. Of The People Republic Of Bangladesh |access-date=16 December 2016 }}</ref> Currently, medical practitioners having an MBBS degree or dental surgeons having a BDS are legally permitted to use Dr as a prefix; its use by other medical practitioners remains controversial.

==== Hong Kong ====
[[Hong Kong]] follows British practice in calling physicians "Doctor" even though many of them hold only a degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS or MBChB). An attempt by their professional body to prevent [[chiropractors]] from calling themselves "Doctor" failed in the courts, in part because it was pointed out that practicing chiropractors may hold an academic doctorate in their discipline, and it would be anomalous to prevent them using the title when holders of doctorates in non-medical disciplines faced no such restriction.

====India====
In [[India]], [[medical practitioner]]s are legally referred to as ''registered medical practitioners''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine Regulations, 2023 |url=https://www.nmc.org.in/MCIRest/open/getDocument?path=/Documents/Public/Portal/LatestNews/DOC-20230514-WA0038_230514_120545.pdf |agency=[[The Gazette of India]] |access-date=21 May 2024 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130192010/https://www.nmc.org.in/MCIRest/open/getDocument?path=/Documents/Public/Portal/LatestNews/DOC-20230514-WA0038_230514_120545.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The title of doctor is frequently used by qualified professional medical practitioners in the fields of [[Allopathic medicine]] (MBBS) and [[dentistry]] (BDS), as well as by other practitioners like [[Siddha medicine|Siddha]] (BSMS), [[Yoga as therapy|Yoga]] and [[Naturopathy]] (BNYS), [[Ayurveda]] (BAMS), [[Unani medicine]] (BUMS) and [[Homeopathy]](BHMS), [[Veterinarian]]s (BVSc) and holders of doctoral degrees, including [[PhD]]s and pharmacists with [[PharmD]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pharm D degree holders can use 'Dr' prefix|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/69528007.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=28 May 2019|author=Chaitanya Deshpande}}</ref> [[Physiotherapy|Physiotherapists]] (BPT) use 'Doctor' as a suffix accompanied by the prefix PT.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sarvgyan.com/courses/medical/physiotherapy|title=Physiotherapy|date=18 February 2022 |accessdate=5 July 2022|publisher=Sarvgyan}}</ref>

The usage by pharmacists is legally disputed,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.healthissuesindia.com/2019/06/07/supreme-court-could-hear-pharmacy-council-fight-over-use-of-the-title-doctor/|title=Supreme Court could hear Pharmacy Council fight over use of the title doctor
|date=7 June 2019 |author=Kerean Watts|work=Health Issues India}}</ref> while the [[Supreme Court of India]] has ruled against the use of the title as a prefix by physiotherapists.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/dr-dhruva-prasaf/physiotherapists-continue-to-put-dr-prefix-illegally-4559/|title=Physiotherapists continue to put 'Dr' prefix illegally|author= Dhruva Prasad|date=9 July 2019|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Can physiotherapists be called doctors?
|date=30 August 2019 |author= Shipra Suman|url=https://www.shiksha.com/medicine-health-sciences/articles/can-physiotherapists-be-called-a-doctor-what-does-the-law-say-blogId-23049|work=Shiksa}}</ref>

====Indonesia====
The Indonesian titles "dr." is used in front of the name of medical doctor who holds a specification as general practitioner, also when the doctor already holds his specialization to ___, such as "Sp.THT" or "Spesialis Telinga, Hidung, Tenggorokan" (ENT or Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist).

Dr. is used in front of the name as the title "Doktor" for doctorate title, the same level as PhD title.

====Pakistan====
In [[Pakistan]], the title of Doctor (Dr.) can be used by [[PhD]] degree holders as well as medical, dental, optometry and veterinary doctors with [[MBBS]], [[dental degree|BDS]], [[Doctor of Optometry|OD]] and [[veterinary education|DVM]] degrees respectively.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/are-medical-doctors-against-optometrists-being-called-eye-doctors/|title = Are medical doctors against optometrists being called eye doctors?| newspaper=Tribune Online |date = 21 November 2019}}</ref> Usage by [[physiotherapists]] [[doctor of physical therapy|DPT]] degree respectively is disputed, with the [[Pakistan Medical and Dental Council]] saying they should not use the title, but the [[Pharmacy Council of Pakistan]] (the regulatory body for pharmacists) and the [[Higher Education Commission (Pakistan)|Higher Education Commission]] permitting and encouraging its use.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1198927|title=PMDC divests pharmacists, physios of doctor title|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|author=Asif Chaudhry|date=7 August 2015}}</ref>

====Philippines====
In the [[Philippines]], titles and names of occupations usually follow [[Spanish language|Spanish]] naming conventions which utilize gender-specific terms. "''Doktór''" is the masculine form, which retains the abbreviation ''Dr.''; the feminine form is "''Doktóra''", and is abbreviated usually as "''Dra.''"; others, however, some being [[English language|Anglophones]] who wish to sound modern and Westernised (or were raised in an almost exclusively English-speaking family environment), or some who advocate gender equality, would dispense with the distinction altogether. There does exist in [[Filipino language|Filipino]] an equivalent, gender-neutral term for the professional that carries the more general notion of "healer", traditional (for example, an ''[[albularyo|albuláryo]]'') or otherwise: ''manggagámot''. Contracted "Dr" or "Dr.", it is also used as a designation for a person who has obtained a doctorate degree (e.g. PhD, [[Doctor of Education|EdD]], DPA).

====Sri Lanka====
In [[Sri Lanka]] the title doctor "Dr." is used for PhD holders and medical practitioner such as physicians, surgeons, dental surgeons and veterinarians. However, when addressing in native [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]] a medical practitioner is addressed as "Vaidya" (වෛද්ය) or "Dosthara" (දොස්තර) while a PhD holder is addressed as "Aacharya" (ආචාර්ය). It is a common practice for married female medical practitioners to use the title "Dr (Mrs)" in a both professional and social capacity.

====Thailand====
The usage of Doctor (ดอกเตอร์) or Dr (ดร.) has been borrowed from English. It can be seen as a title in academic circles and in the mass media. In contrast to other academic titles (Professor, Associate Professor and assistant professor), the use of Doctor as a title has not been recognized by the [[Royal Institute of Thailand]]. Therefore, this title, in theory, cannot be used officially. For example, in court of justice where strictly formal Thai language is used, Dr cannot be mentioned as a person's title.

===The Americas===

====Brazil====
The 'doctor' title is used by individuals holding a PhD degree.<ref>STUARD, Powell, HOWARD, Green. The Doctorate Worldwide {{ISBN|9780335220205}}. McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 2007</ref> 'Doctor' is also used as a deferential title in Brazilian Portuguese.<ref>KOIKE, Dale April. Language and Social Relationship in Brazilian Portuguese: The Pragmatics of Politeness. {{ISBN|9780292768970}}. University of Texas Press, 2014.</ref> The title “Doctor” can also be used in Brazil to address  medics and lawyers by the law since the imperial times. The law was enacted by the second Brazilian emperor, Dom Pedro II, to attract more medics and lawyers from other countries in imperial times when there was very few practitioners of both professions in the country for the crescent population of that time. The law still is enacted.

====Canada====
Canada lies somewhere between British and American usage of the degree and terminology of "doctor". Holders of research doctorates – PhDs and similar degrees – commonly use the title "doctor".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.macleans.ca/education/uniandcollege/what-do-you-call-a-professor/|title=What do you call a professor?|author=Todd Pettigrew|date=30 August 2009|work=[[Maclean's]]}}</ref> A number of regulated healthcare professionals can also use the title "doctor"; in Ontario these are limited by law (in the provision of health care) to physicians, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, doctorate-level psychologists and social workers who are members of the relevant Ontario college.<ref>{{cite web |title=SWSSWA Amendment: Use of the title "Doctor" – OCSWSSW |url=https://www.ocswssw.org/professional-practice/swsswa-amendment/ |publisher=Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers |access-date=30 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisehealthlaw.ca/blog/health-professionals/restricted-titles-and-the-regulation-of-health-professionals-in-ontario/ |title=Restricted Titles and the Regulation of Health Professionals in Ontario| work=Wise Health Law|date=22 August 2017|author=Esther Nwator}}</ref> In Alberta, Registered Nurses or Nurse Practitioners with an earned doctoral degree may use the title "doctor" in conjunction with professional practice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2005_232.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404053655/http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2005_232.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-04 |url-status=live|title=Registered Nurses Profession Regulation|publisher=Alberta Queen's Printer|at=14(3)|access-date=5 December 2016}}</ref> Some professionals earn degrees with the title of doctor but which are considered, despite their name, to be at bachelor's-level, e.g. [[Doctor of Dental Surgery|DDS]], [[Doctor of Medicine|MD]], [[Juris Doctor|JD]].<ref name=cdqf>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/95/QA-Statement-2007.en.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009094042/http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/95/QA-Statement-2007.en.pdf |archive-date=2010-10-09 |url-status=live|title= Canadian Degree Qualifications Framework|publisher=Council of Ministers of Education, Canada| quote=Though considered to be bachelor's programs in academic standing, some professional programs yield degrees with other nomenclature. Examples: DDS (Dental Surgery), MD (Medicine), LLB, or JD (Juris Doctor)|access-date=5 December 2016|work=Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in Canada}}</ref> In Ontario, registered naturopathic doctors may only use the title "doctor" in written format if they also use the phrase, "naturopathic doctor" immediately following their name, while a 2006 amendment that would allow practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine to use the title has not, {{as of|2016|August|1|lc=y}}, entered into force.<ref>{{cite web|title=Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991|url=http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_91r18_e.htm#BK31|at=33 Restriction of the title "doctor"|access-date=5 December 2016|date=24 July 2014}}</ref> As of 2022, in Alberta, Doctors of Acupuncture may use the doctor title.<ref>{{cite web|title=Regulated Health Professions Act of Alberta| date=17 September 2012 |url=https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=H07.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779828425}}</ref>

=====Quebec=====
The usage of the French ''Docteur'' and ''Docteure'', and their abbreviated forms ''Dr'', ''Dre'', ''D{{sup|r}}'' and ''D{{sup|re}}'', is controlled by the ''Code des professions''. As a pre-nominal title it can be used without any further explication by physicians, veterinarians, and dentists. It can also be used prenominally, when accompanied by the name of the profession immediately after the name, by professionals who require a doctorate for their professional licence, such as psychology, and chiropractic, e.g. ''Dr X, psychologue'' or ''Dr Y, chiropraticien''. Academic doctors, where the doctorate is not required to practice, bear the title only after their name; this is not abbreviated, e.g. ''M. Z, docteur en philosophie'' not ''M. Z, PhD''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca/fr/conseils/capsules/votre-docteur-est-il-medecin|title=Votre docteur est-il un médecin?|publisher=Le Protecteur du citoyen|date=10 June 2015|language=fr|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220093900/https://protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca/fr/conseils/capsules/votre-docteur-est-il-medecin|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.francaisenaffaires.com/capsules-linguistiques/les-titres-de-civilite/titre-de-civilite.html|title=Titres professionnels|work=Le français en affaires|language=fr|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220165305/http://www.francaisenaffaires.com/capsules-linguistiques/les-titres-de-civilite/titre-de-civilite.html|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bdl.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/bdl/gabarit_bdl.asp?id=2778|title=Docteur|work=Banque de dépannage linguistique|publisher=Government of Quebec|language=fr|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref>

====United States====
In the United States, the use of the title "Doctor" is dependent upon the setting. The title is commonly used socially by physicians and those holding doctoral degrees;<ref>Post (1997). Etiquette. New York: HarperCollins. pp. 306, 307, 335–336.</ref> however, there was formerly a division between [[Letitia Baldrige]] and [[Miss Manners]] on its social usage by those who are not physicians.<ref name="kip">{{Cite journal |date=July 1988 |title=Kiplinger's Personal Finance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QgUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA84 |journal=Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine |publisher=Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. |page=84 |issn=1528-9729 |access-date=14 April 2011}}</ref> Baldrige saw this usage as acceptable, while in contrast, Miss Manners wrote that "only people of the medical profession correctly use the title of doctor socially," but supports those who wish to use it in social contexts in the spirit of addressing people according to their wishes.<ref name=kip/><ref name="Martin2005">{{cite book|author=Judith Martin|title=Miss Manners' guide to excruciatingly correct behavior|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FOodocaTLsMC&pg=PA105|access-date=14 April 2011|date=26 April 2005|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|isbn=978-0-393-05874-1|page=105}}</ref> Miss Manners has since softened her approach, noting in her ''[[The Washington Post]]'' column that there are two approaches: "having been earned, it should be used" and "that level of education being assumed, it need not be expressly mentioned"; while she maintains that everyone should be addressed according to their wishes, she no longer states that only medical professionals use the title correctly but instead acknowledges that the title has been earned by those with PhDs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/miss-manners-graduation-cake-is-to-be-eaten-not-reserved/2014/05/20/924f347c-dd23-11e3-b745-87d39690c5c0_story.html|title=Miss Manners: Graduation cake is to be eaten, not reserved|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date= 11 June 2014}}</ref> The [[Emily Post Institute]] similarly advises that "Socially as well as professionally, medical doctors, dentists, and other professionals are addressed by, and introduced with, their titles. People who have earned a Ph.D. or any other academic, nonmedical doctoral degree have the choice of whether to use "Dr." both professionally and socially."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://emilypost.com/advice/professional-titles/|title=Professional Titles|publisher=Emily Post Institute|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref> Other advice columns have also noted that "it has become common to see someone with a Ph.D. addressed on the envelope as Dr., and as a consequence, deviation from convention has become acceptable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drdaveanddee.com/doctor.html|title=Addressing Envelope for M.D. and Ph.D.|website=Advice with Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref> The 2017 book ''Etiquette Rules!'' gives identical forms for addressing a "doctor of medicine (MD), dental surgery (DDS), veterinary medicine (DVM), etc.", and the holder of a PhD, advising in both cases the use of initials after the name for formal correspondence and Dr. before the name for social correspondence.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vJ05DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA92|title=Etiquette Rules!|pages=92–93|author=Nancy R. Mitchell|publisher=Wellfleet Press|date=17 October 2017|isbn=9780760361818}}</ref> Although the usage of the title by Ph.D. graduates has become common, its use socially by holders of professional doctorates (other than those noted) is neither explicitly endorsed nor explicitly discouraged by writers on etiquette. Miss Manners has, however, stated that a physician who has had their license revoked should be addressed by their former preferred honorific (i.e. not according to their MD degree).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/miss-manners-all-family-members-estranged-or-not-belong-in-an-obituary/2017/01/27/d272452a-d9e8-11e6-b8b2-cb5164beba6b_story.html|title=Miss Manners: All family members, estranged or not, belong in an obituary|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=27 January 2017|author=Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin and Jacobina Martin}}</ref>  It is unusual for those who hold honorary doctorates to use the title "Doctor".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/117947/maya-angelou-was-ms-not-dr-against-title-inflation-america|title=Why Do People Call Ms. Maya Angelou "Dr. Maya Angelou"?|author=Mark Oppenheimer|date=29 May 2014|magazine=New Republic|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref>

Publications from the office of the President of the United States of America also refer to PhD holders as Dr. Soandso,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/eop/onap/staff/lansky|title=Amy Lansky|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121000433/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/eop/onap/staff/lansky|archive-date=21 January 2017|url-status=live|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jo Handelsman|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/eop/ostp/about/leadershipstaff/handelsman|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122015712/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/eop/ostp/about/leadershipstaff/handelsman|archive-date=22 January 2017|url-status=live|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[Office of Science and Technology Policy]]|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
and [[Jill Biden]], who holds an [[Doctor of Education|EdD]], used the style "Dr. Jill Biden" as [[second lady]] and continued to do so as [[First Lady of the United States|first lady]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/dr-jill-biden/|title=Dr. Jill Biden: First Lady|access-date=16 February 2020|website=[[White House]]|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806081015/https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/dr-jill-biden/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=JillBiden>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-02-na-dr-jill-biden2-story.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=2 February 2009|author=Robin Abcarian|title=Hi, I'm Jill. Jill Biden. But please, call me Dr. Biden}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/dr-jill-biden/|title=Dr. Jill Biden|publisher=[[White House]]|access-date=19 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122092757/https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/jill-biden|archive-date=22 January 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> For addresses  (defined as "the conventional forms of address as determined by social and official custom"), [[NASA]] uses "Dr. (full name)" in addresses for PhD holders while for physicians it uses "(full name), MD", although both are addressed as "Dr. (surname)" in the salutation (which is described as "informal").<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/npg_img/N_PR_1450_010D_/N_PR_1450_010D_.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001171434/http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/npg_img/N_PR_1450_010D_/N_PR_1450_010D_.pdf |archive-date=2006-10-01 |url-status=live|pages=93, 101|publisher=[[NASA]]|title=NASA Correspondence Management and Communications Standards and Style w/Change 3|date=25 March 2016|chapter=Appendix F: Forms of Address}}</ref> The [[National Institutes of Health]] similarly use "Dr. (surname)" in salutations for people with an MD, PhD or DDS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://execsec.od.nih.gov/guidelines/docs/Letters_reference%20line%20and%20salutation.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503224718/http://execsec.od.nih.gov/guidelines/docs/Letters_reference%20line%20and%20salutation.pdf |archive-date=2015-05-03 |url-status=live|title=Letters: Reference Line, Salutation|publisher=NIH|access-date=26 March 2017}}</ref> They advise using full name followed by degrees in addresses, explicitly stating not to use the title "Dr.", although an example in the following paragraph does use the title rather than giving degrees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://execsec.od.nih.gov/guidelines/docs/Letters_address.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503164555/http://execsec.od.nih.gov/guidelines/docs/Letters_address.pdf |archive-date=2015-05-03 |url-status=live|title=Letters: Address|publisher=NIH|access-date=26 March 2017}}</ref>

Most newspapers in the US follow the [[AP Stylebook]] and reserve the title for physicians in their house styles;<ref name=JillBiden/> notable exceptions include ''[[The New York Times]]'', which follows the preference of the individual when referring to PhD holders (although the title is not used for those with honorary doctorates),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2000/12/why_doesnt_the_times_call_condi_dr_rice.html|title=Why Doesn't the Times Call Condi "Dr. Rice"?|work=Slate|access-date=21 November 2016|date=27 December 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://afterdeadline.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/faqs-on-style/|title=FAQs on Style|work=[[The New York Times]]|at=Who's a Dr.?|access-date=3 December 2016|date=14 November 2011}}</ref>
and ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', which similarly prefers "Dr." for PhD holders and physicians (if this is the person's choice) while stating explicitly that the title is not used for lawyers with JDs or people with honorary doctorates.<ref>{{cite book|quote=The abbreviation ''Dr.'' should be used in second reference as a title before the names of those who are generally called doctor in their professions in the U.S. … If appropriate in context and if the individual desires it, ''Dr.'' is thus used after the first reference before the names of individuals who hold Ph.D.s and other doctoral degrees. Holders of Ph.D.s in the academic world, for example, often prefer to be called doctor. It usually isn't necessary to specify that the degree is a Ph.D., M.D. or other degree. But because the public tends to identify ''Dr.'' with physicians, if the individual's specialty isn't clear in context, mention it as quickly as possible. … Generally, try to establish the person's preference for using the title. Unless you know the person has a doctorate or other qualifying degree that he or she prefers to use, use ''Mr., Miss, Mrs.'' or ''Ms.'' If the individual's only doctorate is an honorary one, do not use ''Dr.,'' except in a quotation. Lawyers, despite their J.D. degrees, aren't called doctor. In general references to M.D.s, it is more precise to use ''physicians'' rather than ''doctors.''|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3mjxg9iNAQUC|pages=71–72|author=Paul Martin|date=15 June 2010|publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]]|title=The Wall Street Journal Guide to Business Style and Us|isbn=9781439122693}}</ref> Until 1989, [[The Washington Post]] used the title for "practitioners of the healing arts (including chiropractors and osteopaths) but not for holders of PhDs or honorary degrees", after which it dropped its use entirely.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1989/03/19/will-the-posts-new-style-raise-ahems/cf28e536-8156-4933-bf38-6ffb709f577b/|title=WILL THE POST'S NEW STYLE RAISE AHEMS?|author=Thomas W. Lippman|date=19 March 1989|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> Some sources state that AP style allows the use of Dr. for holders of non-medical doctoral degrees as long as their speciality is given.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://umc.utah.edu/communications-style-guide/|publisher=[[University of Utah]]|title=Communications Style Guide: academic degrees|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-date=3 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903114717/https://umc.utah.edu/communications-style-guide/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gatehousenewsroom.com/2015/06/05/an-ap-style-rule-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away/|title=An AP Style rule a day keeps the doctor away|publisher=[[GateHouse Media]]|access-date=2 September 2018|date=5 June 2015}}</ref>

The expansion of professional doctorates in clinical fields in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has led to disputes between physicians and other medical professions over who can use the title in a clinical context. This has been interpreted by some as part of larger battles within medicine, such as who gets to treat patients first and who has prescribing authority.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/health/policy/02docs.html|title=With More Doctorates in Health Care, a Fight Over a Title|author=Gardiner Harris|date=1 October 2011}}</ref> The [[American Medical Association]] calls for non-physicians (those not holding an MD or DO) who use the title "Doctor" and are in direct contact with patients to clarify that they are not physicians and to "define the nature of their doctorate degree",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://searchpf.ama-assn.org/SearchML/searchDetails.action?uri=%2FAMADoc%2FHOD.xml-0-3589.xml|title=Clarification of the Title "Doctor" in the Hospital Environment D-405.991|publisher=American Medical Association|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref> while the [[American Osteopathic Association]] opposes the use of the title by non-physicians in clinical settings absolutely as (in their view) "such use deceives the public".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/about/leadership/aoa-policy-search/Documents/H324-A-14-USE%20OF%20THE%20TERM%20DOCTOR.pdf|title=H324-A/14 USE OF THE TERM "DOCTOR"|publisher=American Osteopathic Association|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121103636/http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/about/leadership/aoa-policy-search/Documents/H324-A-14-USE%20OF%20THE%20TERM%20DOCTOR.pdf|archive-date=21 November 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Contrary to this, the [[Emergency Nurses Association]] has adopted as a position statement that "1. Nurses are entitled to have their educational degrees recognized and acknowledged in the same manner as other professions. 2. The proper title protection and use of accurate credentials is appropriate in the clinical setting. 3. When being addressed or introduced as doctor in the clinical environment, it is responsible practice for all healthcare providers to clarify their professional role. 4. Patients, families and the general public have a right and expectation to be informed regarding the credentials of their caregivers, including the use of the title "doctor"."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ena.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Position%2520Statements/AppropriateCredential.pdf|title=Appropriate credential use/title protection for nurses with advanced degrees|publisher=Emergency Nurses Association|access-date=8 December 2016|date=May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420151710/http://www.ena.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Position%20Statements/AppropriateCredential.pdf|archive-date=20 April 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The American Medical Association launched a campaign in 2011 for states to adopt "truth in advertising" legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ama-assn.org/truth-advertising|title=Truth in Advertising|access-date=9 December 2016|publisher=American Medical Association}}</ref> As a result, many states now have laws in place that protect the title of doctor when offering medical services.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.healthcarebusinesstech.com/truth-in-advertising-legisation/|title='Truth in Advertising' legislation for providers growing in popularity|date=19 October 2012|author=Renee Cocchi|work=Healthcare Business & Technology|access-date=9 December 2016|publisher=Catalyst Media Network}}</ref> In some jurisdictions, the use of the title in health care is limited to those who have both a doctorate and are licensed to practice medicine, and there is a requirement that the field of the doctorate be disclosed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oregon.gov/omb/licensing/Documents/mddodpm/mddo-dr-title-law.pdf|title=Doctor Title Law ORS 676.100 TO ORS 676.140|website=Oregon Medical Board|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030221448/http://www.oregon.gov/omb/licensing/Documents/mddodpm/mddo-dr-title-law.pdf|archive-date=30 October 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>[http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/slpa/speechguidedoctor.htm NYS Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists:Practice Guidelines: Using the Title "doctor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706053428/http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/slpa/speechguidedoctor.htm |date=6 July 2011 }} NYSED.gov</ref> Some other jurisdictions require the practitioner to hold a doctorate and to disclose the field, but make no stipulations as to licensing.<ref>[http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/KRS/311-00/375.PDF 311.375 Conditions governing use of title "Doctor" or "Dr." – Penalty.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615103613/http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/KRS/311-00/375.PDF |date=15 June 2011 }} Kentucky law</ref> Some states require name badges to be worn in medical facilities giving first name, licensure status, and staff position, although these laws may not explicitly address the use of the title "Doctor".<ref>[http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/111-70e.htm General Laws: CHAPTER 111, Section 70E]. Mass.gov (30 June 2009). Retrieved on 2011-12-17.</ref>

Although lawyers in the United States do not customarily use the title, the law degree in that country is the [[Juris Doctor]], a professional doctorate.<ref name="Ethics Opinion 1969-5">Association of American Universities Data Exchange. [http://www.pb.uillinois.edu/aaude/documents/graded_glossary.doc Glossary of Terms for Graduate Education] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304000000/http://www.pb.uillinois.edu/aaude/documents/graded_glossary.doc |date=4 March 2009 }}. Accessed 26 May 2008; National Science Foundation (2006). "[https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/nsf06312.pdf Time to Degree of U.S. Research Doctorate Recipients] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308130032/https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06312/nsf06312.pdf |date=March 8, 2016 }}," "InfoBrief, Science Resource Statistics" NSF 06-312, 2006, p. 7. (under "Data notes" mentions that the JD is a professional doctorate); San Diego County Bar Association (1969). [http://www.sdcba.org/ethics/ethicsopinion69-5.html "Ethics Opinion 1969-5"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030411105023/http://www.sdcba.org/ethics/ethicsopinion69-5.html |date=11 April 2003 }}. Accessed 26 May 2008. (under "other references" discusses differences between academic and professional doctorate, and statement that the J.D. is a professional doctorate); University of Utah (2006). [http://www.gradschool.utah.edu/catalog/degree.php University of Utah – The Graduate School – Graduate Handbook] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626081148/http://www.gradschool.utah.edu/catalog/degree.php |date=26 June 2008 }}. Accessed 28 May 2008. (the JD degree is listed under doctorate degrees); German Federal Ministry of Education. [http://www.blk-bonn.de/papers/hochschulsystem_usa.pdf "U.S. Higher Education / Evaluation of the Almanac Chronicle of Higher Education"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325000000/http://www.blk-bonn.de/papers/hochschulsystem_usa.pdf |date=25 March 2009 }}. Accessed 26 May 2008. (report by the German Federal Ministry of Education analysing the Chronicle of Higher Education from the U.S. and stating that the JD is a professional doctorate); Encyclopædia Britannica. (2002). "Encyclopædia Britannica", 3:962:1a. (the JD is listed among other doctorate degrees).</ref> Some JD holders in the United States use the title of doctor in professional situations, although ethics board decisions have varied on whether this is permissible or might mislead the public into believing the lawyer was medically qualified or had a PhD.<ref name="law.cornell.edu">American Bar Association. [https://www.law.cornell.edu/ethics/aba/mcpr/MCPR.HTM Model Code of Professional Responsibility], Disciplinary Rule 2–102(E). Cornell University Law School, LLI. Accessed 10 February 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Peter H. Geraghty|url=http://www.abanet.org/media/youraba/200709/ethics.html|title=Are There Any Doctors Or Associates In the House?|publisher=American Bar Association|date=2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708231553/http://www.abanet.org/media/youraba/200709/ethics.html|archive-date=8 July 2008|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is also sometimes used by JD holders in academic situations.<ref name="Profile of Dr. Michael Harrington">{{cite web|website=University of Montana School of Business Administratio|url=http://www.business.umt.edu/Faculty/harrington|title=Profile of Dr. Michael Harrington|publisher=University of Montana|date=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060912040411/http://www.business.umt.edu/Faculty/harrington/|archive-date=12 September 2006|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2011, ''[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]'' published an article claiming that [[Michele Bachmann]] was misrepresenting her qualifications by using the "bogus" title Dr. based on her JD. The article was later amended to note that the use of the title by lawyers "is a (begrudgingly) accepted practice in some states and not in others", although they maintained that it was rarely used as it "suggests that you're a medical doctor or a Ph.D.—and therefore conveys a false level of expertise".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/08/michele-bachmann-not-doctor-phd|title=Michele Bachmann Is Not a Doctor|magazine=Mother Jones|author=Tim Murphy|date=18 August 2011}}</ref>

[[Ecclesiastical]] seminaries and entitled churches award their own doctorates in the United States, e.g. the ''Doctor of Religious Science'' (Dr. sc. rel.), the ''[[Doctor of Divinity]]'' (DD), the ''[[Doctor of Biblical Studies]]'' (DBS) or the ''Doctor of Metaphysics'' (Dr. mph.). These titles are most commonly awarded to meritorious [[cleric]]s for their outstanding work or another achievement in the field of religious and biblical studies.<ref>David F. Wells (1985): Reformed Theology in America: A History of Its Modern Development. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids</ref><ref>{{cite book|first = E. Brooks|last = Holifield |date = 2005|title = Theology in America|publisher = Yale University Press|isbn = 9780300107654}}</ref><ref>Mark G. Toulouse; James O. Duke: Sources of Christian Theology in America. Abingdon Press</ref>

American professional doctorates are not generally considered doctoral level degrees internationally, instead being classified as bachelor's or master's level. The [[ISCED]] mapping for these degrees, developed collaboratively between the US and [[UNESCO]], places them at master's level. As a result, holders of MD, JD, PharmD, etc. may not be permitted to use the title of Doctor in countries such as Germany where this is strictly controlled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://internacional.ipvc.pt/sites/default/files/Reconhecimento%2520de%2520qualifica%25C3%25A7oes_EN.pdf|title=Recognition of Qualifications|page=49|access-date=18 September 2016|publisher=NARIC Portugal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711103735/http://internacional.ipvc.pt/sites/default/files/Reconhecimento%20de%20qualifica%C3%A7oes_EN.pdf|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.epnuffic.nl/en/publications/find-a-publication/education-system-united-states.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215849/https://www.epnuffic.nl/en/publications/find-a-publication/education-system-united-states.pdf |archive-date=2018-09-01 |url-status=live|publisher=NUFFIC|page=3|title=The American education system described and compared with the Dutch system|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eua.be/eua/jsp/en/upload/Review%2520of%2520Professional%2520Doctorates_Ireland2006.1164040107604.pdf|publisher=National Qualifications Authority of Ireland|page=3|title=Review of Professional Doctorates|date=October 2006|quote=The '1st professional degree' is a first degree, not a graduate degree even though it incorporates the word 'doctor' in the title|access-date=7 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110103934/http://www.eua.be/eua/jsp/en/upload/Review%2520of%2520Professional%2520Doctorates_Ireland2006.1164040107604.pdf|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uis.unesco.org/Education/ISCEDMappings/Documents/ISCED%202011%20Mappings/ISCED_2011_Mapping_EN_USA.xlsx|title=ISCED 2011 Mappings – United States|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=7 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedle.net/legal-use-of-foreign-doctor-titles-the-german-example/|title=Legal use of foreign doctor titles – the German example|access-date=7 December 2016|publisher=Bleedle}}</ref>

===Europe===
In the European Union, the title of ''doctor'' refers primarily to holders of post-graduate research doctorates, such as the PhD. In many European languages the term ''doctor'' is distinct from a medical practitioner, which can be referred to as e.g. ''läkare'' in Swedish, ''Arzt'' in German, ''dokter'' or ''arts'' in Dutch, or ''lääkäri'' in Finnish.

Standardisation of degrees into the three cycles of bachelor's–master's–doctorate across the [[European Higher Education Area]] (EHEA) is being carried out through the [[Bologna process]], although not all EHEA member states have fully conformed to the 1999 [[Bologna declaration]] in favour of their own historic customs. With respect to the title "doctor", the Bologna process makes no prescriptions regarding the names of degrees nor the titles they may confer. However, under the [[Lisbon Recognition Convention]], recognition of a foreign degree allows "the use of an academic title, subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which recognition is sought".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enic-naric.net/the-lisbon-recognition-convention.aspx|title=The Lisbon Recognition Convention|website=Enic-Naric|access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref> According to the ''Explanatory report'', this means that: "The competent authorities of the Parties may grant the right to use the title in the exact form in which it was awarded in the Party concerned or in any other form. They may alternatively grant the right to use the corresponding title of the country in which recognition is sought."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=09000016800cb34b|title=Explanatory Report to the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region|date=11 April 2011|access-date=26 February 2017|publisher=[[Council of Europe]]}}</ref>

====Austria====
In Austria, the degree ''Doktor'' is granted to holders of research degrees (ISCED 8) with a denoting Latin particle being added (''Dr. techn.'', ''Dr. phil.'', ''Dr. rer. nat.'', ''Dr.iur.'', ''Dr.theol.'' etc.). Newer study programmes award a [[PhD]], but these exist alongside the older degrees since many prefer obtaining a ''Dr.'' to a PhD.<ref>[https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/leben_in_oesterreich/titel_und_auszeichnungen/1/2.html Akademische Grade]. help.gv.at (30 November 2011) Retrieved on 2011-12-17.</ref> These degrees take 3–4 years full-time and are organised in doctoral schools.

In addition, the academic degree ''Doktor'' (ISCED 7) is granted to physicians (Dr. med. univ.) and dentists (Dr. med. dent.), who since 2002 do not obtain doctoral degrees (ISCED 8) but instead follow a master's level six-year training (360 [[European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System|ECTS]]) programme, similar to an American [[Doctor of Medicine|MD]] or [[Dental degree|DDS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40109748/NOR40109748.pdf|title=Universitätsgesetz 2002 |language=German|trans-title=University Act 2002|access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref> For these degrees, students have to write a ''Diplomarbeit'' thesis of 50-100 pages. Research doctorates in medicine (Dr. scient. med. or [[PhD]]) can also be obtained after a three year full-time post-graduate study programme at a medical university.

All doctors may be addressed as "Doktor _____"; the title is usually contracted to "Dr. _____", oftentimes they are just addressed as "Herr/Frau Doktor" (Mr/Ms Doctor), omitting the family name unless they are being introduced to someone.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.schreibwerkstatt.co.at/2012/12/25/der-umgang-mit-akademischen-graden/| title = Anrede und Anschrift| date = 28 January 2013}}</ref>

Contrary to popular belief in the country, the title "Dr." is not part of a person's name or a specific honour but simply a degree like BSc/BA, ''[[Magister degree|Mag]]'' (MA/MSc) or ''Dipl.-Ing.'' (MEng). It is not mandatory to use it, although it may be added to official documents (e.g. driver's licence, passport), if desired<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/leben_in_oesterreich/titel_und_auszeichnungen/1/Seite.1730506.html| title = Führung von Titel und Auszeichnungen}}</ref>

====Finland====
In Finland, the title of ''tohtori'' or ''doktor'' denotes holder of a research doctorate comparable to a PhD. Getting the doctorate requires advanced studies after the master's degree, writing a [[thesis]], nowadays often a [[thesis by publication]], and publicly defending the thesis. Customary doctorates do not exist even in the field of medicine: physicians hold the degree of ''lääketieteen lisensiaatti'' ([[Licentiate (degree)|Licentiate]] of Medicine), and are referred to simply as ''lääkäri'' (physician); "tohtori" would be rustic or old-fashioned. A research doctorate in medicine, ''lääketieteen tohtori'', requires further research work and a separate doctoral thesis, and is not taken by all medical graduates. Regardless, in Finnish usage, the use of titles is uncommon and restricted to only the most formal of contexts.

====France====

In [[France]], the title of ''Docteur'' is only used generally for [[physician]]s (''médecin'') but can also be used by holders of research doctorates. Medical professionals do not normally hold a [[doctorate]], which in France always refers to a research doctorate, but a "State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine" (''Diplôme d'État de docteur en médecine'').<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vocabulaire-medical.fr/encyclopedie/035-docteur-medecin|title=Un médecin est toujours " docteur "; un " docteur " n'est pas nécessairement un médecin|language=fr|work=Vocabulaire médical|access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref>

The law in France allows the title of Dr to be used professionally by holders of research doctorates, with the field of their speciality being mentioned after the name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/eli/loi/2013/7/22/2013-660/jo/article_78|title=LOI n° 2013-660 du 22 juillet 2013 relative à l'enseignement supérieur et à la recherche|at=TITRE VI : LES PERSONNELS DE L'ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR ET DE LA RECHERCHE Article 78|website=Legifrance|publisher=[[Government of France]]|language=fr}}</ref> The courts have ruled that stating the specialisation is not necessary except in circumstances specifically related to professional practice; at other times the title alone may be used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opimed.org/spip.php?article108|title=Du bon usage du titre de docteur|date=27 June 2008|access-date=18 December 2016|work=OpiMed|publisher=MediaMed|language=fr|archive-date=27 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127143010/http://www.opimed.org/spip.php?article108|url-status=dead}}</ref> The courts have also determined that questioning the right of the holder of a research doctorate to use the title Dr is a form of libel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.hervecausse.info/Le-titre-de-docteur-n-appartient-pas-aux-medecins--N-est-pas-docteur-qui-veut-et-qui-l-est-a-son-honneur--Mise-au_a249.html|title=Le titre de "docteur" n'appartient pas aux médecins! N'est pas "docteur" qui veut et qui l'est a son honneur! Mise au point sur le titre de docteur ou l'histoire d'une méprise publique avec la médecine (Cass. crim. 20 janvier 2009, n° 07-88122)|author=Hervé Causse|language=fr|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051516/http://m.hervecausse.info/Le-titre-de-docteur-n-appartient-pas-aux-medecins--N-est-pas-docteur-qui-veut-et-qui-l-est-a-son-honneur--Mise-au_a249.html|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The National Union of Hospital Scientists (''Syndicat National des Scientifiques Hospitaliers'') launched a campaign in 2015 to raise awareness of the right of scientists to use the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogsnsh.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/usage-du-titre-de-docteur-science-qui-peut-utiliser/|title=Usage du titre de Docteur|publisher=Syndicat National des Scientifiques Hospitaliers|access-date=18 December 2016|date=18 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221181804/https://blogsnsh.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/usage-du-titre-de-docteur-science-qui-peut-utiliser/|archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>

====Germany====
In [[German language]]-speaking countries, the word ''Doktor'' refers to a doctorate awardee in formal language (similar to a PhD). It is distinct from ''Arzt'', since a doctoral degree is not a requirement for medical practitioners, though colloquial use of the word ''Doktor'' for physician is common and ordinary people often incorrectly assume that only Doktors may practice medicine. For this reason, 80% of all students in medicine write "doctoral" dissertations, often comparable to a master's thesis in science,<ref name="Beisiegel791">U. Beisiegel: ''Promovieren in der Medizin. Die Position des Wissenschaftsrates.'' In: ''Forschung & Lehre'' 7/09, 2009, S.&nbsp;491. {{cite web |url=http://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/wordpress/Archiv/2009/07-2009.pdf |title=Forschung und Lehre 7/09 |language=de |access-date=2015-05-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609080050/http://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/wordpress/Archiv/2009/07-2009.pdf |archive-date=2015-06-09 }}</ref> alongside their undergraduate studies to obtain a Dr. med. degree. The [[European Research Council]] decided in 2010 that those Dr. med. doctorates do not meet the international standards of a PhD research degree.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/bildung/qualitaet-medizinischer-promotionen-kommt-ein-doktor-zum-arzt--1.2673150|work=[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]|date=1 October 2015|title=Kommt ein Doktor zum Arzt ...|author=Sarah Schmidt}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/lebenundlernen/uni/von-der-leyen-in-der-kritik-schlechte-promotionen-sind-in-der-medizin-ueblich-a-1055039.html|title=Akademische Ramschware|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=28 September 2015|author=Bernd Kramer}}</ref>

In [[Germany]], the most common doctoral degrees are ''Dr. med.'' (medicine), ''Dr. med. dent.'' (dentistry), ''Dr. med. vet.'' (veterinary medicine), ''Dr. rer. nat.'' (natural sciences), ''Dr. phil.'' (humanities), ''Dr. iur.'' (law), ''Dr. rer. pol.'' (economic and political sciences, also as Dr. rer. oec. in Switzerland), ''[[Doktoringenieur|Dr.-Ing.]]'' (engineering), and ''Dr. theol.'' (theology). All holders of doctoral degrees are appropriately addressed as "Herr/Frau Dr. _____" in all social situations.

In Germany, double doctorates are indicated in the title by ''"Dr. Dr."'' or ''"DDr."'' and triple doctorates as ''"Dr. Dr. Dr."'' or ''"DDDr."'' More doctorates are indicated by the addition of ''"mult."'', such as ''"Dr. mult."'' Honorary titles are shown with the addition of ''"h.c."'', which stands for ''"honoris causa"''. Example: ''"Dr. h.c. mult."'' Some honorary titles are shown by addition of German equivalents of ''"h.c."'', like ''"e.h."'', ''"E.h."'', or ''"eh."'', which stand for ''"ehrenhalber"'' (honorary). Example: ''"Dr. e.h. mult."''

All people holding a doctorate from an EU member state are, since 2001, entitled to use "Doctor" or "Dr." in all formal, legal and published communications without any further addenda. For academics with doctorates from non-EU member states, the qualification must be recognised formally ("validated") by the Federal Educational Ministry in Bonn. The recognition process can be done by the employer or employee and may be part of the official bureaucracy for confirming professional status and is dependent on individual bilateral agreements between Germany and other countries and, since 2007, the Lisbon Recognition Convention.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/lisbon_convention.php|title=Lisbon Convention|website=Recognition in Germany|publisher=Federal Ministry of Education and Research|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227063810/https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/lisbon_convention.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> An example of mutual recognition of Doctor titles among EU countries is the "Bonn Agreement of November 14, 1994", signed between Germany and Spain (prior to the general recognition of EU doctorates).<ref>[http://www.boe.es/g/es/bases_datos/doc.php?coleccion=iberlex&id=1995/12243&codmap= Boletín Oficial del Estado. Texto del Documento] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219025837/http://www.boe.es/g/es/bases_datos/doc.php?coleccion=iberlex&id=1995%2F12243&codmap= |date=19 December 2008 }}. Boe.es (24 May 1995). Retrieved on 2011-12-17.</ref>

In 2008, [[Kultusministerkonferenz|The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany]] extended their 2001 decision to recognise EU PhDs to cover PhDs that were awarded in Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, and some American universities. It was announced in 2012 that this would be further extended to cover PhDs awarded in New Zealand. PhDs that were awarded in the United States are recognized if the awarding institution is classified by the [[Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching]] as a "Research University (high research activity)" or as a "Research University (very high research activity)." Permission to use the title covers only scientific research degrees and does not extend to professional degrees such as the MD or JD.<ref>{{cite web| title = Führung ausländischer Hochschulgrade| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150211223335/http://www.kmk.org/wissenschaft-hochschule/internationale-hochschulangelegenheiten/fuehrung-auslaendischer-hochschulgrade.html| archive-date = 11 February 2015| url = http://www.kmk.org/wissenschaft-hochschule/internationale-hochschulangelegenheiten/fuehrung-auslaendischer-hochschulgrade.html| url-status = dead| df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kmk.org/fileadmin/veroeffentlichungen_beschluesse/2001/2001_09_21-Auslaendische-HS-Grade.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211223335/http://www.kmk.org/fileadmin/veroeffentlichungen_beschluesse/2001/2001_09_21-Auslaendische-HS-Grade.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|title=Vereinbarung der Länder in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland über begünstigende Regelungen gemäß Ziffer 4 der "Grundsätze für die Regelung der Führung ausländischer Hochschulgrade im Sinne einer gesetzlichen Allgemeingenehmigung durch einheitliche gesetzliche Bestimmungen vom 14.04.2000" (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom 21.09.2001 i. d. F. vom 26.06.2014)|access-date=15 November 2016|language=de|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/6783089/Germany-goes-for-the-doctor-on-our-PhDs|title=Germany goes for the doctor on our PhDs|author=Michelle Duff
|date=21 April 2012|work=Stuff|publisher= Fairfax New Zealand Limited }}</ref>

====Greece====
In Greece, doctor "Διδάκτωρ" (''didáktor'') is indicated in the title as Δρ and it is used for holders of doctoral degrees. Other alternative names are also used, namely «δόκτωρ» and «δόκτορας», derived from the French "docteur". The term "Ιατρός" (''iatrós'') indicates medical practitioners.

====Hungary====

In Hungary, graduates of six-year medical schools (''dr. med.''), five-year dentistry schools (''dr. med. dent.''), five-year law schools (''dr. jur.'') and five-year veterinary medical schools (''dr. vet.'') receive the title of a ''doctor'' at the end of their studies, after completing and successfully defending their thesis; their undergraduate studies must have lasted for a minimum of three years. Completing a PhD research programme (or DLA in arts and music) also leads to the doctor title. Since 2008, also those who graduated of five-year [[pharmacy]] schools have the right to use the title "dr" (''dr. pharm.'').

A large part of Hungarians with doctor titles received their titles for research in the old academic system before PhD was introduced in Hungary. Since the introduction of PhD title (1993), the ''dr. univ'' title (given before 1993). The CSc ''Candidate of Science'' title was a scientific title in the old academic system and is now treated as an equivalent of PhD. CSc titles were awarded by the [[Hungarian Academy of Sciences]].

The highest level doctoral degree in Hungary is DSc ''Doctor of Sciences'', awarded by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It is also called ''Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences''.

The title of doctor used to become a part of the name and was added as such to personal identity documents. This practice is still common and graduates after receiving their diploma would usually change their personal documents in order to officially indicate the achievement.

====Ireland====
Usage in Ireland is similar to that in the UK. The title of doctor is used for holders of doctoral degrees<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rsvpmagazine.ie/right-now-focus-phd-aoibhinn-ni-shuilleabhain-takes-tv-career-break-put-studies-first/|title="RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO FOCUS ON THE PHD": AOIBHINN NÍ SHÚILLEABHÁIN TAKES TV CAREER BREAK TO PUT STUDIES FIRST|quote=she will soon be able to add the title of Doctor to her name|work=RSVP Magazine|date=2014|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025021802/https://rsvpmagazine.ie/right-now-focus-phd-aoibhinn-ni-shuilleabhain-takes-tv-career-break-put-studies-first/|archive-date=25 October 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> as well as for medical practitioners (except surgeons),<ref>{{cite journal|title= Do surgeons wish to become doctors?|quote= Around the world, medical professionals of all disciplines enjoy the status of being addressed as `doctor'. In contrast, most surgeons in the UK are addressed as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms. A small number of countries including Ireland and parts of Australia and New Zealand retain this dichotomy of titles for physicians and surgeons|journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine|date=April 2006|volume= 99| issue=4|pages= 197–199|doi=10.1177/014107680609900419|author1= N Ibery|author2= P M Patel|author3= P J Robb|pmc=1420777|pmid=16574973}}</ref> dentists,<ref>{{cite news|title= Call me doctor|work= The Dentist|date= 1 October 2010|author= Nilesh Patel|quote= In Ireland, the contrast in policy would be even more striking as dentists south of the border will still be able to retain the title of doctor, but if a patient moves north of the border, their dentist will be addressed differently!|url= http://www.the-dentist.co.uk/article/393|publisher= George Warman Publications Ltd|access-date= 8 December 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171024153935/http://www.the-dentist.co.uk/article/393|archive-date= 24 October 2017|url-status= dead|df= dmy-all}}</ref> and vets.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-doctors-vets-new-animals-2696672-Apr2016/|title= It's taken a long time, but vets can finally call themselves 'Dr'|date=4 April 2016|work=TheJournal.ie|author= Michael Sheils McNamee|publisher= Journal Media }}</ref> The title is also used in Ireland for Catholic bishops, who are styled "The Most Reverend Dr X, Bishop of Y" on envelopes.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E4oCDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT172|page=172|title=Debrett's Handbook|author=Elizabeth Wyse|publisher=Debrett's|date=19 April 2016|isbn=9780992934866}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

====Italy====
The first university of Western civilization, the [[University of Bologna]], is located in Italy, where until modern times the only degree granted was that of the doctorate,<ref name="Catholic Encyclopedia">Herbermann, et al. (1915). [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05072b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia]. New York: Encyclopedia Press. Accessed 26 May 2008.</ref> and all other Italian universities followed that model. During the 20th century Italian universities introduced more advanced research degrees, such as the PhD.

Italian academia is part of the [[Bologna Process]], and has standardised its degrees as part of the 3+2+3 formula. The undergraduate degree "[[Laurea#First cycle: Laurea|laurea]]" was reduced to 3 years (making it equivalent to a Bachelor's degree). This is followed by a 2 year "[[Laurea#Second cycle: Laurea magistrale|laurea magistrale]]" (literally "magistral degree", equivalent to a Master's degree). The old-system "laurea", which lasted about 5–6 years and is now discontinued, were made equivalent to a "laurea magistrale". Few fields retain the 5-6 year system (such as law and medicine) but are called "laurea magistrale a ciclo unico" and are an integrated master's degree. Finally, the Italian system also introduced a doctorate ("[[dottorato di ricerca]]"), which lasts 3 years and is the terminal degree of the educational hierarchy, corresponding to a PhD.

For historical reasons, the title of doctor is awarded to all university degree holders. "Laurea" holders are awarded the title of doctor (dottore/dottoressa), "laurea magistrale" holders are awarded the title of magistral doctor (dottore magistrale/dottoressa magistrale), and doctorate holders are called [[Laurea#Third cycle: Dottorato di ricerca|research doctors]] (dottore di ricerca/dottoressa di ricerca).<ref>L. n. 240 – 30 December 2010, G.U. n. 10–14 January 2011, Art. 8-bis.</ref>

====Malta====
In [[Malta]], the title of Doctor is used by academic doctors (with PhDs), medical practitioners, dentists and lawyers. Its use by lawyers is due to the qualifying degree for practicing law having been the [[Legum Doctor|LLD]] until reforms in 2014, and has been described as "historical baggage" by the Dean of the [[University of Malta]]'s law school. Lawyers do not generally use the title when practicing outside of Malta.<ref>{{cite news|work=Times of Malta|date=11 January 2014|author= Ivan Martin|title=I am not a doctor, so why call myself one?|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140111/local/-I-am-not-a-doctor-so-why-call-myself-one-.502162}}</ref>

====Netherlands====
In the [[Dutch language]] doctor is used both for physicians and for the academic title, however the spelling differs with "dokter" referring to a physician, whereas "doctor" refers to the academic title. Both doctor titles are abbreviated as dr. placed before the holders name (note the lowercase).

To enter a Dutch doctoral defense, the candidate must hold a validated master's degree (a master's degree of an acknowledged university, or a master equivalent degree validated on a case-by-case basis by the Dutch government). In some cases the candidate can be granted special dispensation if no master's degree is held.
There is no specific notation of the discipline in which the doctorate is obtained. Once the doctorate is obtained the preceding master's degree is generally no longer reported. Exceptions only exist for the disciplines with specific master titles of engineering "ir." ("ingenieur", i.e. Engineer) and law "mr." ("meester", i.e. Master of Law) where the title dr. is added to the original master title. For these disciplines, the original master's degree abbreviation is combined with the dr. abbreviation thus resulting in for example "dr. ir. Familyman". The dr. title is always placed in front of the ir. title. In the case of a PhD in law, the original mr. title is placed before the dr. title (mr. dr., see e.g. [[Jan Peter Balkenende]]). For a person having a law master's degree, but holding a PhD in another field than law the mr. title is placed after the dr. title (dr. mr.). No specific notation or title for the medical disciplines exists in the Netherlands. Although a physician is usually referred to as "dokter" (note the spelling difference) this does not necessarily imply the physician holds a doctoral degree; nor does it give the physician a title equivalent to that of PhD.

Confusion can be caused by the original Dutch Master level title "drs." (for all non-engineering and non-law master's degrees). This abbreviation stands for the Dutch title [[doctorandus]] Latin for "he who should become a doctor" (female form is "doctoranda"). Dutch drs. should not be confused with the plural 'doctorates': having multiple PhDs. Once a doctorate is achieved the doctorandus is promoted to doctor, and no longer uses the drs. abbreviation.<br />
Stacking of multiples titles of the same level, as seen in countries like for example Germany (Dr. Dr. Dr. Musterfrau) is highly uncommon in the Netherlands (although stacking of titles with different levels is common: prof. dr. ir. Appelmans). Those who have multiple doctor titles may use dr.mult. before their name, although this is rarely used.

After obtaining a doctorate successfully, Dutch doctors may bear either the title dr. (lower case) before, or the letter D (rarely in practice) behind their name, but not both simultaneously. In the Netherlands, Academic titles are used exclusively within academia. Holding a doctorate has become a standard requirement for a university career. The doctor title has little to no meaning or implications for public life outside academia. It cannot be added to documentation (e.g. passport, drivers licence), and is used infrequently in daily practice.

Historically, the Netherlands used their own academic degree nomenclature, but for many years now have recognised and implemented the [[Bologna declaration]]. In everyday practice, the Anglo Saxon titles (e.g. PhD) are frequently used. Dutch academic titles and degrees are legally protected, and as of 2021 the traditional ’dr.’ and the PhD are legally equivalent and can be used interchangeably. Doctoral degrees (PhD degrees) can only be granted by recognised (research) universities. Illegal use of the title is considered a misdemeanour and subject to legal prosecution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0001854/DerdeBoek/TitelII/Artikel435/geldigheidsdatum_21-10-2009 |title=Art. 435 Sr |language=nl |publisher=Wetten.overheid.nl |date=21 October 2009 |access-date=8 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://translate.google.nl/translate?prev=hp&js=y&u=http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0001854/DerdeBoek/TitelII/Artikel435/geldigheidsdatum_21-10-2009&sl=nl&tl=en&history_state0=&swap=1 |title=Art. 435 Sr (translated by Google) |language=nl |publisher=Translate.google.nl|access-date=8 July 2010}}</ref>

====Portugal====
In [[Portugal]], up to recent times after the completion of an undergraduate degree – except in [[architecture]] and [[engineering]] – a person was referred to as ''doutor (Dr.) – male'' or ''doutora (Dra.) – female''. The architects and engineers were referred by their professional titles: ''arquitecto'' (Arq.) and ''engenheiro'' (Eng.). [[Nurse]]s are also referred to as "nurse", ''enfermeiro'' (male) or ''enfermeira'' (female), the title being ''Enf.'' for both.

Nowadays Portugal is a signatory to the [[Bologna process]] and according to the current legislation the title of Doctor (''doutor, doutora'') is reserved for graduate holders of an academic [[doctorate]].<ref>Decreto-Lei n.º 107/2008, de 25 de Junho</ref> Professions such as [[physician]]s, [[Attorney at law|attorneys]], [[pharmacist]]s, [[veterinarian]]s, and few others are usually referred to by the title Dr. (doutor) even if they have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

However, custom gives the legislation little strength and most graduates use the Dr. title in its abbreviated form, although use of the full ''Doutor'' is normally restricted to those with doctorates. Those who are both holders of an academic doctorate and Professors at a college level are generally referred to as ''Professor Doutor''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.university.pt/phd-in-portugal/|title=PhD in Portugal|website=University.pt|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220173333/http://www.university.pt/phd-in-portugal/|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====Spain====
The social standing of Doctors in Spain is evidenced by the fact that only [[PhD]] holders, [[Grandees]] and [[Duke]]s can take seat and cover their heads in the presence of the King.<ref>{{in lang|es}} [http://www.protocolo.org/gest_web/proto_Seccion.pl?rfID=459&arefid=2871&pag=8 Raíces de las normas y tradiciones del protocolo y ceremonial universitario actual: las universidades del Antiguo Régimen y los actos de colación. Protocolo y Etiqueta]. Protocolo.org. Retrieved on 17 December 2011.</ref>

[[PhD]] Degrees are regulated by Royal Decree (RD 1393–2007),<ref>[http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2007/10/30/pdfs/A44037-44048.pdf MINISTERIO DE EDUCACIÓN Y CIENCIA]. 30 October 2007. (PDF, in Spanish) . Retrieved on 17 December 2011.</ref> ''Real Decreto'' (in [[Spanish language|Spanish]]). They are granted by the university on behalf of the King, and its Diploma has the force of a public document. The Ministry of Science keeps a national database of doctoral theses called TESEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.educacion.gob.es/teseo/teseo/abrirAyuda.do|title= Tesis doctorales: TESEO|language=es|access-date=9 December 2016|website=Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte|publisher=Governors de Espsña}}</ref> Any person who uses the [[Spanish people|Spanish]] title of ''doctor/doctora'' (or ''Dr./Dra.'') without being included in this Government database can be prosecuted for fraud.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} However, the [[Spanish Royal Academy]] recognises that it is used colloquially to describe physicians, even without doctoral degrees, as well as (in the feminine form, ''doctora'', abbreviated ''Dra.'') the wives of doctors (i.e. holders of doctoral degrees) and medics, as well as "women who shine with wisdom and understanding".<ref>{{cite book|url=http://dle.rae.es/?id=E3TMkYQ|title=doctor, ra|publisher=Real Academia Espanola|work=Diccionario de la lengua española|edition=23rd|date=October 2014|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref>

Unlike other countries, until recently Spain has registered a comparatively small number of Doctor degree holders, but the tendency is changing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eldiario.es/cienciacritica/Doctorado-ciencia-fraude-doctor-medico_6_110648947.html|title=El significado y la importancia de ser doctor|date=14 March 2013 }}</ref> According to the Spanish Statistical Office (INE), less than 5% of MSc degree holders are admitted to PhD programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/index.htm?type=pcaxis&path=/t14/p225/a2009&file=pcaxis&L=0|title=Instituto Nacional de Estadística. (National Statistics Institute)|website=INE}}</ref> This reinforces the prestige that Doctors have historically enjoyed in Spain's society.

====United Kingdom====

Doctor is commonly used in the [[United Kingdom]] as the title for a person who has received a doctoral degree or, as [[Courtesy titles in the United Kingdom|courtesy title]], for a qualified medical practitioner or dentist who does not have a doctorate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095724299|title=Doctor|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|work=Oxford Reference|access-date=15 May 2017}}</ref> There are no restrictions on the use of the title "Doctor" in the [[United Kingdom]], except where, in commercial advertising, it might imply that the user holds a general medical qualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Use-of-the-term-Dr.aspx#.V99DB2UXZSA|title=Use of the term "Dr"|publisher=The Committees of Advertising Practice|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref> The UK government allows medical doctors and holders of doctorates to have the title recorded on the observations page of their UK passport.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/observations-in-passports|title=Observations in passports|date=7 February 2012|publisher=HM Passport Office}}</ref> The lack of legal restrictions was confirmed in [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in 1996 by health minister [[Gerald Malone]], who noted that the title doctor had never been restricted by law to either medical practitioners or those with doctoral degrees in the UK, although the titles "physician, doctor of medicine, licentiate in medicine and surgery, bachelor of medicine, surgeon, general practitioner and apothecary" were protected.<ref>Hansard, 19 January 1996. [https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo950119/debtext/60119-24.htm Columns: 1064–1069]. retrieved 7 March 2015</ref>

According to the etiquette guide, [[Debrett's]], holders of doctoral degrees and medical doctors (but not surgeons) should be addressed as "Doctor".<ref name="Debrett's Academic">{{cite web| url=https://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/|title=Academics|work=Debrett's |access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="Debrett's Doctor">{{cite web| url=https://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/medicine-2/|title=Medicine|publisher=Debrett's|access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref> For medical doctors, "Doctor" is a professional title rather than an academic one: it is due to their being a medical practitioner rather than their having gained a doctoral degree.<ref name="Debrett's Medicine">{{cite web|url=http://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/medicines/|title=Medicine|publisher=Debrett's|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref> The [[Quality Assurance Agency]] states that "The use of the title 'Dr' by medical doctors is a historical abbreviation for the profession; it does not indicate a qualification at doctoral level".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf|page=29|publisher=Quality Assurance Agency|access-date=1 October 2016|date=October 2014|title=The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305083730/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On guest lists and seating plans for formal events, holders of academic doctorates (but not medical doctors or other people using the title as a courtesy title) are listed either as "Dr John Smith" or "John Smith, Esq, PhD", while untitled men (other than those holding doctorates) are shown as either "Mr John Smith" or "John Smith, Esq" (as appropriate to ensure the styling remains consistent).<ref group=note>No example is given for untitled women, either holding doctorates or otherwise</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.debretts.com/expertise/etiquette/formal-events/seating-plans-and-precedence/|title=Seating plans and precedence|work=Debrett's |at=Untitled Men|access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref> The title "Dr" is also used on [[visiting card]]s.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E4oCDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT418|title=Debrett's Handbook|pages=418–420|author=Elizabeth Wyse|publisher=Debrett's|date=19 April 2016|isbn=9780992934866}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Medical students in the UK normally complete a course of study leading to the degree of [[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery|Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery]] (MBBS, BMBS or MBChB).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bma.org.uk/-/media/files/pdfs/developing%20your%20career/becoming%20a%20doctor/badentry2014%20-%20interactiveversionfinal.pdf |title=Becoming a doctor: Entry in 2014 |publisher=[[British Medical Association]] (BMA) |access-date=21 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130110/http://bma.org.uk/-/media/files/pdfs/developing%20your%20career/becoming%20a%20doctor/badentry2014%20-%20interactiveversionfinal.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The MD degree is not a qualifying degree in the UK, but can be either a [[professional doctorate]]  (at the same academic level as a PhD), a doctorate by thesis, or a [[higher doctorate]], depending on the university.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication?PubID=2975#.V98_VWUXZSA|title=Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement|publisher=[[Quality Assurance Agency]]|date=September 2015|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235547/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication?PubID=2975#.V98_VWUXZSA|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To be eligible for an MD degree in the UK one must already hold an entry-level medical degree (for example, MBBS, MBChB, BMed, or a North American MD degree) and usually must have had at least 5 years of postgraduate training and experience. Trainee doctors are permitted to use the title Doctor once they have started their post-graduation "[[Medical education in the United Kingdom#Continuing medical education|Foundation Programme]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bma.org.uk/-/media/files/word%20files/news%20views%20analysis/pressbriefing_medical%20training%20uk.doc|title=Medical Training in the UK|date=28 September 2012|publisher=[[British Medical Association]]|access-date=20 September 2016|quote=Individuals in F1 posts receive a salary and are allowed to use the courtesy title 'Dr'.}}</ref>

Debrett's states that medical doctors (except surgeons) should be addressed on envelopes as "Dr (full name), (medical qualifications)", e.g. "Dr John Smith, MD", "Dr Anne Jones, MB BS, FRCP", "Dr David Evans, MB ChB", contrary to the normal rule of not mixing titles and post-nominals. Surgeons (and dentists, if not holding a doctoral degree) should be "(full name), Esq, (medical/dental qualifications)",{{NoteTag|Debrett's gives no examples of the form for addressing a woman who is a surgeon or dentist; usual British practice is only to use "Esq" for men<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/esquire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226145400/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/esquire|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 December 2016|title=Esquire|work=Oxford Living Dictionaries|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref>}} e.g. "John Smith, Esq, MS, FRCS", "David Evans, Esq., BDS", but "Dr Anne Jones, DDS, FDS RCS",. By contrast, those holding (non medical or dental) doctoral degrees, if not surgeons, should be "Dr (full name)" without post-nominals on envelopes, e.g. "Dr John Smith".<ref name="Debrett's Medicine"/><ref name="Debrett's Academics">{{cite web|url=https://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/|title=Academics|work=Debrett's |access-date=1 December 2016|publisher=[[Debrett's]]}}</ref>

[[A & C Black]]'s ''Titles and Forms of Address'' diverges from Debrett's on how to address envelopes to medical doctors, omitting the pre-nominal title of Dr (e.g. John Smith, Esq, MD; John Smith, MD; John Smith, MB)  except in Scotland and for [[general practitioner]]s, where the post-nominals are instead usually omitted (e.g. Dr John Smith). Black's also state that it is down to individual choice whether non-medical doctors are addressed on envelopes as "Dr John Smith" or "John Smith, Esq, PhD" (or appropriate letters for the doctorate held), with the exception of doctors of divinity, who would be "The Rev. J. Smith, DD" on the envelope and "Reverend Sir" in a formal salutation (informally in the salutation "Dear Dr Smith", and "Dr Smith" in speech).<ref group=note>Black's notes that non-clergy may be awarded DDs but gives no examples</ref><ref group=note>Black's give no examples of addressing women with doctoral degrees or medical qualifications</ref><ref name="Black's">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=10jOCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA145|title=Titles and Forms of Address: A Guide to Correct Use|edition=23rd|publisher=[[A & C Black]], an imprint of [[Bloomsbury Publishing]]|pages=145–147|date=21 April 2016|isbn=9781472924346}}</ref>

The custom of not referring to surgeons (members and fellows of the [[Royal College of Surgeons]]) as Dr has been commented on in the ''[[British Medical Journal]]'' and may stem from the historical origins of the profession such as that some barbers also used to function as surgeons.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Dobson | first1 = Roger | year = 2005 | title = English surgeons may at last be about to become doctors| journal = British Medical Journal | volume = 330 | issue = 7500| page = 1103| pmid = 15891216 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.330.7500.1103 | pmc = 557881 }}</ref> In 2005, the then-president of the [[Royal College of Surgeons]] called upon surgeons to use the title of Dr, saying that the use of Mr or Miss was confusing to patients.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1489293/Surgeons-should-be-called-Dr-says-president.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1489293/Surgeons-should-be-called-Dr-says-president.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=Surgeons should be called Dr, says president|date=4 May 2005|author=Celia Hall}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Black's note that [[gynaecologist]]s are addressed as surgeons in England and Wales but as doctors elsewhere.<ref name="Black's" />

In a similar manner to the medical MBBS, dentists qualify with a [[Bachelor of Dental Surgery]] (BDS) and vets with a [[Bachelor of Veterinary Science]] (BVSc), [[Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine]] (BVetMed) or [[Bachelor of Veterinary Science|Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery]] (BVMS). All of these are, like the MBBS, master's level qualifications that bear bachelor's designations for historical reasons.<ref name=FHEQ>{{cite web|pages=17–18, 29|url=http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf|title=The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies|publisher=[[Quality Assurance Agency]]|date=November 2014|access-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305083730/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Dentists have traditionally (as dental surgeons) been referred to in the same way as surgeons, but since 1995 the [[General Dental Council]] have permitted dentists to use the title "Doctor",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/dentist-can-take-title-of-doctor-1583239.html|work=[[The Independent]]|date=22 November 1995|author=Liz Hunt|title=Dentist can take title of doctor}}</ref> though many do not choose to do this, thereby stressing their surgeon status. However, Debrett's continues to advises that dentists are normally addressed as surgeons and that the title "Doctor" is usually only used for dentists who have a doctoral degree.<ref name="Debrett's Medicine"/>

On 5 March 2015 the council of the [[Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons]] (RCVS) voted to permit its members to use the courtesy title of "Doctor". Guidance from the RCVS says the title should be used either with the description "veterinary surgeon"   or the postnominals "MRCVS" to ensure there is no confusion with doctors of human medicine or holders of doctoral degrees.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-events/news/uk-veterinary-surgeons-to-use-courtesy-doctor-title/ |title=UK veterinary surgeons to use courtesy 'Doctor' title |publisher=[[Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons]] |date=6 March 2015 |access-date=4 April 2015}}</ref>

[[Optometrist]]s are not permitted to use the title "Doctor" based on their initial qualification (BOptom or BSc (Optom)).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/58119/response/146821/attach/html/3/I%20Chong%20response%20letter.pdf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411054231/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/58119/response/146821/attach/html/3/I%20Chong%20response%20letter.pdf.html |archive-date=2017-04-11 |url-status=live|website=Whatdotheyknow.com|title=REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Reference No F-2011-01 |author=Lisa Sparkes |date=1 February 2011|access-date=10 April 2017}}</ref>  Optometrists can earn PhDs or [[Doctor of Optometry]] degrees (in the UK a PhD-level qualification for qualified optometrists with experience in practice<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.school-it.co.uk/doptometry/article.htm|publisher=[[Institute of Optometry]]|title=Doctor of Optometry|access-date=10 April 2017|archive-date=10 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410221905/http://www.school-it.co.uk/doptometry/article.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>). [[Ophthalmologist]]s are fully qualified medical doctors. However, ophthalmology is considered a branch of surgery, thus ophthalmologists, like other surgeons in the UK, do not use the title "Doctor".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/patients/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/|publisher=[[Royal College of Ophthalmologists]]|access-date=10 April 2017|title=Frequently Asked Questions}}</ref>

The [[General Chiropractic Council]] permits registered chiropractors to use the title "Doctor", although it advises chiropractors to avoid using the title in advertising or, if they do, to spell out that they are "Doctors of Chiropractic".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gcc-uk.org/registration/information-for-chiropractors-who-are-on-the-register/guidance-for-registrants-using-their-registered-name-and-the-gcc-registration-number.aspx#Can%20chiropractors%20use%20the%20title%20%27Dr%27%20when%20advertising?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403155228/http://www.gcc-uk.org/registration/information-for-chiropractors-who-are-on-the-register/guidance-for-registrants-using-their-registered-name-and-the-gcc-registration-number.aspx#Can%20chiropractors%20use%20the%20title%20%27Dr%27%20when%20advertising|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 April 2014|title=Using your registered name and GCC registration number|publisher=General Chiropractic Council|access-date=20 September 2016}}</ref> The [[Committee of Advertising Practice]] advises, however, that "references to 'DC' or 'doctor of chiropractic' are unlikely to dispel that misleading impression [of being a medical practitioner], when used in conjunction with unqualified references to the prefix 'Dr{{' "}}, saying that the use of the title by chiropractors may be acceptable in advertising if "clearly and prominently qualified with additional text which makes clear it is a courtesy title and that the practitioner does not hold a general medical qualification".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/use-of-the-term-dr-chiropractors.html|title=Use of the term "Dr": Chiropractors|date=23 May 2016|access-date=14 April 2017|publisher=Advertising Standards Authority}}</ref>

The [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]] has ruled that practitioners of traditional [[Chinese medicine]] should not use the title doctor in adverts unless they hold a general medical qualification and are registered with the [[General Medical Council]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Use-of-the-term-Dr-Chinese-Medicine-Practitioners.aspx#.WCu1gugXZSB|title=Use of the term "Dr": Chinese Medicine Practitioners|publisher=The Committees of Advertising Practice|access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> It similarly advises that [[osteopath]]s should not use the title unless holding a general medical qualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-osteopathy.html|title=Health: Osteopathy|date=2 December 2016|at=Can I call myself a "Doctor"?|access-date=14 April 2017|publisher=Advertising Standards Authority}}</ref> There have also been rulings that an advert for an [[Osteomyology|osteomyologist]] which referred to him as a doctor was misleading, as was an advert which used the title "Dr" and the post-nominals "PhD" on the basis of a PhD from an [[Unaccredited institutions of higher education|unaccredited university]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-osteomyology.html|title=Health: Osteomyology|date=3 August 2015|access-date=14 April 2017|publisher=Advertising Standards Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/caring-4-u-uk-ltd-a13-232156.html|title=ASA Adjudication on Caring 4 U (UK) Ltd|date=23 October 2013|quote=We therefore concluded that without a qualification to state that the degree was from an unaccredited US university, the use of the "Dr" and "PhD" title in the ad was misleading.|access-date=14 April 2017|publisher=Advertising Standards Authority}}</ref>

Holders of honorary doctorates in the UK have the right, in most cases, to use the title of Doctor, although holders are encouraged to refrain from doing so.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-34659751|title=Doctor who? The celebrities who became instant academics|author=Lauren Potts|publisher=BBC|website=BBC News|date=22 November 2015}}</ref> Black's says that "The same rules apply as to other holders", although notes that the post-nominals would not normally be used.<ref name="Black's" />

In some circumstances, "doctor" may be used on its own as a form of address rather than as a title before a name. This is limited to when the person is being addressed by their job title and so is only used for medical doctors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/people-and-places/names-and-titles-addressing-people|title=Names and titles: addressing people|work=English Grammar Today|publisher=Cambridge University Press|access-date=26 March 2017}}</ref>

=====Wales=====

Wales follows UK usage in English. In [[Welsh language|Welsh]], the holder of a doctoral degree is ''doethur'' while a medical doctor is ''doctor'' or ''meddyg''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geiriadur.net/index.php?page=ateb&uni=y&prefLang=&term=doctor+%28academic%29&direction=ew&whichpart=exact&type=noun|title=doctor (academic)|work=Geiriadur: Welsh-English / English-Welsh On-line Dictionary|publisher=[[University of Wales Trinity Saint David]]|access-date=4 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geiriadur.net/index.php?page=ateb&uni=y&prefLang=&term=doctor+of+medicine&direction=ew&whichpart=exact&type=noun|title=doctor of medicine|work=Geiriadur: Welsh-English / English-Welsh On-line Dictionary|publisher=[[University of Wales Trinity Saint David]]|access-date=4 December 2016}}</ref> The title "''y Doethur''" is used by those holding doctorates, e.g. "y Doethur Brinley Jones",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/article.cfm?id=100464&headline=Lampeter&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2015|language=cy|title=Lampeter|work=[[Cambrian News]]|date=17 November 2015|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220071025/http://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/article.cfm?id=100464&headline=Lampeter&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> "y Doethur John Elfed Jones",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/deddwyrain/papurau_bro/yr_hogwr/newyddion/hydref07.shtml|title=Pererinion Pen-y-bont|publisher=[[BBC]]|language=cy|date=7 November 2014|access-date=4 December 2016}}</ref> which can be abbreviated "Dr".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/cy/newyddion-a-digwyddiadau/datganiadau-ir-wasg/wasg-2016/dathlu-cyfleoedd-addysgol-newydd-yn-aberteifi.html|title=Dathlu cyfleoedd addysgol newydd yn Aberteifi|publisher=[[University of Wales Trinity Saint David]]|date=21 March 2016|access-date=4 December 2016|language=cy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220045908/http://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/cy/newyddion-a-digwyddiadau/datganiadau-ir-wasg/wasg-2016/dathlu-cyfleoedd-addysgol-newydd-yn-aberteifi.html|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Medical doctors use, as in English, the title "Doctor", also abbreviated "Dr".

====Former Yugoslavia====

In countries that were formerly [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]]n republics, such as [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Croatia]], [[North Macedonia]], [[Montenegro]], [[Serbia]] and [[Slovenia]] the title formally belongs to holders of academic doctoral degree such as [[Doctor of Science|doctor of science]] (dr. sc.) or [[doctor of arts]] (dr. art.) degree. There is no "Ph.D." in any of those countries, even though when holders are translating their dr. sc. degree to English, they nevertheless use "Ph.D.", even though it should be "D.Sc." or "Sc.D.".

Informally, the title, in both its full and abbreviated form (i.e. "dr.") is used honorifically to address medical doctors even in more formal environment like in lectored media texts, however officially it is reserved only for the holders of academic degrees. Formally the professional title for medical doctor is "lijekar" in [[Bosnian language|Bosnian]] and [[Montenegrin language|Montenegrin]], "liječnik" in [[Croatian language|Croatian]], "lekar/лекар" in [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]] and [[Serbian language|Serbian]] and "zdravnik" in [[Slovenian language|Slovenian]] and they can hold different academic degrees, as well as additional honorific title of ''Primarius'' that is given to distinguished [[Specialty (medicine)|specialists]] with exemplary reputation and achievements.

===Oceania===

====Australia====
With the introduction of National Health Practitioner registration legislation on 1 July 2010, the title "doctor" is not restricted in any Australian state. The title "medical practitioner" is restricted for use by registered medical practitioners, while the title "doctor" is not restricted by law.<ref>[http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/ACTS/2009/09AC045.pdf Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009]. Queensland. legislation.qld.gov.au</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://ama.com.au/use-title-'doctor' |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140114142025/https://ama.com.au/use-title-%E2%80%98doctor%E2%80%99 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 14 January 2014 |title= Use of the title 'Doctor' |author= <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= 20 May 2011 |website= Australian Medical Association |access-date= 14 January 2014 }}</ref> Despite this, the Medical Board of Australia advises that practitioners who are not medical practitioners who choose to use the title 'Doctor' (or 'Dr') should clearly state their profession in advertisements, even if they hold a PhD or another doctoral degree, e.g. 'Dr Smith (Dentist)' or 'Dr Jones (Chiropodist)'. The Psychology Board of Australia prohibits psychologists from using the title, to avoid confusion with psychiatrists, unless they hold a doctoral degree, in which case they must make it clear that they are not a medical practitioner or psychiatrist, e.g. by putting '(Psychologist)' after their name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Guidelines-for-advertising-regulated-health-services.aspx|title=Guidelines for advertising regulated health services|publisher=Medical Board of Australia|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-date=4 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043627/http://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Guidelines-for-advertising-regulated-health-services.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Australian Qualifications Framework]] (AQF) defines doctoral degrees as being at Level 10 of the framework; it specifies that: "Individuals who have been awarded a Doctoral Degree at Level 10 on the AQF are entitled to use the title 'Doctor'. The title 'Doctor' will not be used by those who hold an honorary award."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aqf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AQF-2nd-Edition-January-2013.pdf|page=73|title=Australian Qualifications Framework|edition=2nd|date=January 2013|publisher=Australian Qualifications Framework Council|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910151628/http://www.aqf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/aqf-2nd-edition-january-2013.pdf|archive-date=10 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The name 'Doctor' is also used in the name of some extended master's degrees at Level 9 (e.g. [[Juris Doctor]] and [[Doctor of Medicine]]); these are not considered doctoral degrees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aqf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AQF-Addendum-2014.pdf|title=Addendum to AQF Second Edition January 2013|date=March 2014|page=7|publisher=Australian Qualifications Framework Council|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220022220/http://www.aqf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AQF-Addendum-2014.pdf|archive-date=20 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>