<P> However, custom gives the legislation little strength and most graduates use the Dr. title in its abbreviated form, although use of the full Doutor is normally restricted to those with doctorates...Those who are both holders of an academic doctorate and Professors at a college level are generally referred to as Professor Doutor . </P> <P> The social standing of Doctors in Spain is evidenced by the fact that only Ph. D. holders, Grandees and Dukes can take seat and cover their heads in the presence of the King . </P> <P> Ph. D. Degrees are regulated by Royal Decree (R.D. 1393 / 2007), Real Decreto (in Spanish). They are granted by the University on behalf of the King, and its Diploma has the force of a public document . The Ministry of Science keeps a national database of doctoral theses called TESEO . Any person who uses the Spanish title of doctor / doctora (or Dr. / Dra .) without being included in this Government database can be prosecuted for fraud . However, the Spanish Royal Academy recognises that it is used colloquially to describe medics, even without doctoral degrees, as well as (in the feminine form, doctora, abbreviated Dra .) the wives of doctors (i.e. holders of doctoral degrees) and medics, as well as "women who shine with wisdom and understanding". </P> <P> Unlike other countries, until recently Spain has registered a comparatively small number of Doctor degree holders, but the tendency is changing . According to the Spanish Statistical Office (INE), less than 5% of M.Sc. degree holders are admitted to Ph. D. programs . This reinforces the prestige that Doctors have historically enjoyed in Spain's society . </P>

Who is entitled to use the title doctor