Use of the title 'Doctor' (Dr) by dentists.
Dentists should not use the courtesy title 'doctor' (or the abbreviation 'Dr') unless they have a PhD or are a medically qualified and registered doctor. Its use as a courtesy title is potentially misleading to patients and it is important that patients do not assume that you have training or competencies which you do not possess.
As an original contributor to Dr Douglas Pikes' campaign - he was subsequently elected to the GDC (no chance of things like that happening now, eh?!) - this sort of stuff is frankly insulting. The GDC of all people should be aware of the general equivalence of the BDS and the MB BS. The fact that it appears not to be so aware speaks volumes of the ignorance and small-minded attitudes prevalent in the GDC. The GDC should have spent the last c. 15 years since Dr Pikes' efforts tirelessly plugging away at public awareness of our professional skills and abilities. In addition, we are going to have to fall in line with the rest of the E.U eventually, whether the GDC likes it or not.
I hope the DPA promotes and encorages a massive campaign of disobedience with regard to this issue. Time for us to take a stand!
