Are you supposed to shake the hands of the doctor or dentist?

Question

This may be kind of a weird question but I'm going to the dentist today and was wondering about shaking hands. They need to keep sterile hands so are there any rules about shaking hands with docotors or dentists or veterinarians or health care workers in general? Are they supposed to be the one to initiate greeting or goodbye shaking hands or what?

Answer 1

No not a weird question, just one most people would not ask. Occupation is irrelevant; generally when you meet someone for the first time you shake their hand, unless they are in position of seniority over you, then you would wait for them to extend their hand first. If the person is a known acquaintance, or friend, shaking hands is fine but kind-of unnecessary. Also, in my opinion, people should always shake on a contract, verbal or written, but still wait for them to extend because they may not feel the same way.
But um, no dont shake your Doctors hands, they need to keep em sterile. ;-)

Answer 2

My eye doctors sometimes initiate it. They will reach out to shake my hand. I think it's fine..

Answer 3

I always shake their hands, but I never thought about whether I should or not, I just do it.

Answer 4

I always shake hands with my doctor. The only doctor that you should not shake hands with is Dr. Doom. He will probably kill you if you try.

Answer 5

I would wait to see if the practitioner initiates the greeting.

And a gentleman NEVER offers his hand in greeting to a lady.
This is her option.

Answer 6

I think it's respectful if you shake hands...

Answer 7

Go ahead and shake. They wear gloves for the examinations. :-)

Answer 8

VERY weird question! lmao but umm nah dont shake hands..

Answer 9

They wear gloves when they are working in your mouth.

You are putting way too much thought into this.

Answer 10

no we don shake their hands.