In previous posts I have been outlining the dilemma the GDC has unwittingly brought upon itself by asking its Standards Committee to consider use of the title 'Dr.' in its deliberations on ethical advertising.
I have been arguing that the GDC needed to find a way to accept the reoprt on ethical advertising, whilst rejecting the recommendations regarding use of the title 'Dr.' It seems that with the arrival of Kevin O'Brien as Chair of the GDC comes also a degree of common sense! In December the Council ratified the guidance on ethical advertising, whilst deciding not to debate and vote on the 'Dr.' issue at that time. On 1st. March the Guidance on Ethical Advertising was published - containing no mention of the 'Dr' title. It may be that the Council intends to consider this matter when it meets later this month, but one poses the question "does it now really need to consider this matter at all?"
Perhaps the way forward for the GDC is now to neither accept nor reject the Committee's recommendations on this issue, rather instead let the matter quietly fade away. So hopefully this will then be the final chapter in what has been a wholly unnecessary debate.
I think we're insulting the British public by thinking they assume everyone with a title of 'Dr' is a medical doctor. We've all seen Indiana Jones, or, as he may prefer, Dr. Jones...
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, we spend a minimum of 5 years enduring academia and clinical training - more clinical training than junior doctors - to be told we're NOT allowed to be called doctor? What makes the dentistry course inferior to medicine nowadays? Dental protection hand out free badges to graduates titled 'Dr' so what's going on?
ReplyDeleteAs your lovely little video demonstrates, doesn't the title 'Dr' allow us to be distinguished from other members of the dental team?
I understand that those who have done a PhD call themselves Dr, but they also have additional letters after their name to tell others this, so I still find it difficult to understand the logic behind dentists not being allowed to be called Dr.
As things stand Lottie we are legally entitled to use the title Dr. - and I think it highly unlikely the GDC will reverse its decision of 1995 ( see my latest posting ).
DeleteMany thanks for your comments