1. Professional context:
* Academic settings: It's generally accepted to use "Dr." before your name in academic settings, such as on publications, presentations, and official correspondence.
* Professional settings: In some professions, such as research or academia, using "Dr." is common. In others, like business or certain industries, it might be considered pretentious or unnecessary.
* Personal preference: Ultimately, the decision is yours. Some PhD holders prefer not to use "Dr."
2. Legal requirements:
* Medical and legal professions: Only individuals with a medical or legal doctorate (MD, JD) are legally allowed to use "Dr." professionally.
3. Etiquette:
* Respectful use: If you do use "Dr.", do so respectfully and not for self-aggrandizement.
* Alternatives: If you're unsure, you can use your full name (e.g., "John Smith, PhD"), or simply your name followed by "PhD" in your email signature or business card.
Here's a summary:
* Use "Dr." in academic settings and some professional contexts if it's appropriate.
* Use "Dr." with discretion and respect in other contexts.
* Consider your personal preference.
* Avoid using "Dr." if it's legally incorrect or if it feels inappropriate.
Ultimately, the decision to use "Dr." or not is yours. Choose what feels right for you and the specific context.