Addressing A Dentist On Your Wedding Invitation: Proper Etiquette

When addressing a wedding invitation to a dentist, it is important to consider the correct form of address to use. The general rule is to use either the title 'Dr.' before their name or the post-nominal abbreviation for their degree (DDS or DMD), but never both at the same time. It is also worth noting that the use of professional titles on wedding invitations can vary depending on the formality of the event and personal preference. Some people may prefer to use social forms of address, such as Mr. or Mrs., instead of professional titles like Dr.. It is always a good idea to ask the recipient how they would like to be addressed to avoid any embarrassment or confusion.

Addressing a dentist with a spouse

When addressing a wedding invitation to a dentist and their spouse, there are a few options to consider. It is important to note that the use of titles is generally considered more formal, and you may choose to forgo titles altogether and use full names only. However, if you do wish to include titles, the following are some options:

• If the spouse also has a doctoral degree, you can address them as "The Doctors" followed by their last name. For example, "The Doctors Smith".
• If the spouse does not have a doctoral degree, you can address them as "Dr." followed by the dentist's name, and then "and Mrs./Mr." followed by the spouse's name. For example, "Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Anna Smith". Alternatively, you can use both spouses' full names, such as "Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Anna Smith".
• If the dentist is a woman and her spouse does not have a doctoral degree, you can address them as "Dr." followed by the dentist's name, and then "and Mr." followed by the spouse's name. For example, "Dr. Susan Smith and Mr. Adam Jones".
• If the dentist and their spouse have different last names, you can list their names in alphabetical order on separate lines. For example, "Dr. Smith" followed by "Mr./Mrs. Jones".
• If the spouse has a different title, such as Esquire, you can include this on the invitation.

It is always a good idea to consider the preferences of the couple when addressing the invitation. You may want to contact them beforehand to confirm how they would like to be addressed. This is especially important if the spouse has a similar qualification or if it is a same-sex couple.

Addressing a dentist with the same surname as their spouse

When addressing a wedding invitation to a dentist and their spouse, the correct form of address depends on a few factors, including their titles, names, and whether they share the same surname. Here are some guidelines for addressing a dentist with the same surname as their spouse:

• Use "Dr." as the title: It is appropriate to use the title "Dr." before the name of a dentist. This title is used to recognise their professional status. For example, you can address the envelope to "Dr. John Smith" and "Dr. Susan Smith".
• Include the degree abbreviation: When addressing a dentist, you can include their degree abbreviation after their name. Make sure to use the correct abbreviation, either DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine). For example, "Dr. John Smith, DDS" and "Dr. Susan Smith, DDS".
• Alphabetical order: When addressing a couple with the same surname, the names are usually listed in alphabetical order. For example, "Dr. John Smith and Dr. Susan Smith".
• Spouse's title: If the spouse of the dentist also holds a doctoral degree, you can include their title as well. For example, "Dr. John Smith and Dr. Susan Smith". If the spouse does not have a doctoral degree, you can use "Mr." or "Mrs." before their name. For example, "Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Susan Smith".
• Outer and inner envelopes: When inviting a couple, the outer envelope can be more general, such as "The Doctors Smith", while the inner envelope can include their full names, "Dr. John Smith and Dr. Susan Smith".

• Dr. John Smith and Dr. Susan Smith (both with doctoral degrees)
• Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Susan Smith (spouse without a doctoral degree)
• Dr. John Smith, DDS and Dr. Susan Smith, DDS (including degree abbreviations)
• The Doctors Smith (outer envelope for a couple with the same surname)

Addressing a dentist with a different surname to their spouse

When addressing a wedding invitation to a dentist whose spouse has a different surname, it is important to consider the appropriate form of address for both individuals. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• The dentist should be addressed as "Dr." followed by their full name. The correct format is "Dr. [Surname] [Name]" or "Dr. [Name] [Surname]." It is important to note that you should never use "Dr. [Full Name], DDS/DMD" as this is incorrect.
• The spouse of the dentist can be addressed using their preferred title and name. For example, "Mr./Mrs./Ms." followed by their full name. If they also hold a doctoral degree, you can use "Dr." followed by their full name.
• When writing the invitation, list the dentist's name first, followed by their spouse's name. For example, "Dr. Kate Randolph and Mr. Brian Randolph" or "Dr. John H. Smith and Mrs. Smith."
• If the dentist has a different surname from their spouse due to marriage or other reasons, they may choose to use their new name personally or professionally. It is their personal decision, and you should address them according to their preference.
• In terms of envelope addressing, for a social invitation, you would address the envelope to "Dr. [Full Name]" for the dentist and use the appropriate title and full name for their spouse.
• If the dentist and their spouse have different last names and you want to use their full names, you can list their names alphabetically on separate lines. For example, "Dr. Rosenthal" followed by "Dr. Schwartz."
• When in doubt, it is always best to ask the individuals how they prefer to be addressed. This ensures that you are using the correct titles and names that they are comfortable with.

Addressing a retired dentist

When addressing a retired dentist, the general rule is to use the title 'Dr.' followed by their full name. This is considered the social form of address and is appropriate for wedding invitations. For example, if the retired dentist's name is John Smith, the invitation should be addressed to "Dr. John Smith".

It is important to note that the title "Dr." should not be used in conjunction with any post-nominal abbreviations such as "DDS" or "DMD". These abbreviations refer to the specific degree held by the dentist, and only one title should be used at a time.

If you are inviting a couple where one spouse is a retired dentist, there are a few options for how to address the invitation. One option is to list the person with the professional title first, followed by their spouse. For example, "Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Mary Smith" or "Dr. John Smith and Mr. Mark Smith". Another option is to use both spouses' names with their respective titles, such as "Dr. John Smith and Dr. Mary Smith" if both spouses are dentists or hold doctoral degrees.

In terms of envelope etiquette, the outer and inner envelopes can be addressed differently. The outer envelope can be more informal, such as "Dr. and Mrs. Smith", while the inner envelope can be more formal, such as "Dr. John Smith and Mrs. Mary Smith".

It is always a good idea to consider your relationship with the guests and what they may prefer. If in doubt, it is best to ask them directly how they would like to be addressed.

Addressing a dentist with a professional certification

When addressing a wedding invitation to a dentist with a professional certification, there are a few guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your invitations are both proper and respectful:

The general rule is to use either either 'Dr.' before their name or the post-nominal abbreviation for their degree after their name, but never both at the same time. The two degrees granted to dentists are DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine). Be sure to use the correct degree abbreviation for your dentist.

For example, on the outer envelope, you would write:

> Dr. (Full Name)

> (Address)

Or, if you are using an address block on an email or letter, you would use:

> (Full Name), DDS/DMD

> (Name of practice)

> (Address)

Married Dentists:

When addressing a married couple where one or both partners are dentists, there are a few options. If both spouses are doctors, you can address them as "The Doctors" followed by their last name. If they have different last names, you would list both names in alphabetical order on separate lines, with "Dr." before each name.

For example:

> Dr. Smith

> Dr. Jones

If only one spouse is a dentist, list the person with the professional title first:

> Dr. Kate Smith and Mr. Brian Smith

> or

> Dr. Kate Smith and Mr. Brian Smith

Same-Sex Couples:

When addressing a same-sex couple where one or both partners are dentists, the format is similar to that of married couples. If they share the same surname, use "Dr." before each name.

For example:

> Dr. Sarah Smith and Ms. Samantha Smith

If they have different surnames, write "Dr." before the dentist's name and "Ms." or "Mr." before their partner's name.

For example:

> Dr. Sally Smith and Ms. Tamara Jones

Social Correspondence:

It is important to note that post-nominal abbreviations are not used on social correspondence. So, when addressing a retired dentist, you would use "Dr." followed by their full name on the envelope, and the same in the letter salutation.

For example:

> Dr. John Smith

> (Address)

Salutation:

> Dear Dr. Smith,

Additional Considerations:

It is always a good idea to ask your guests how they prefer to be addressed if you are unsure. This can help avoid any potential embarrassment and ensure your guests feel respected and valued.

Additionally, if your wedding is formal or black-tie, it is best to stick to the most traditional rules of address. However, for less formal weddings, you have more flexibility and can tailor the address to each guest's preference.

Frequently asked questions