My dentist is my across the street neighbor and just bought a new BMW five series sedan. I don't think it is the proceeds from her tip jar. Why would anyone even consider tipping a professional person? An insult and demeaning. The best response so far has been to take cookies or a treat for the staff if you are so happy with the results and the people. I tip service people on a case by case basis. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. When I first came here thirteen years ago I rented a catamaran sail boat off a hotel beach and when the attendant helped me beach the boat later I tipped him. He looked at the money and said, "What is this?" "A tip, you know, for your service." He looked at me, handed the money back and said "I get paid for my job." A real eye opener for me.

I always tip my dentist.

Never piss against the wind.

never eat yellow snow.

Never eat yellow snow? You are missing a treat.

Naam: Not a monetary tip, however I was in the medical field

For 30 years and the staff and I always appreciated the patients

That brought a little "goodie" small cake, or cookies to the office.

So yes all types of "tips" are appreciated but never expected!!

Possibly a gift if you get exceptional help ?

It is acceptable -- but by no means required or expected -- in both Thailand and the West to give medical/dental personnel a gift as token of appreciation: candy, flowers, baked goods etc accompanied by a note of thanks. Would not do this for routine services, usually only for prolonged or unusual care....and as said, in no way expected or required, but a nice thought. Cash "tip", never.

Should also give such a token gift, if at all, after all the care has been rendered and not while it is in process. It otherwise may give the impression that you don't trust them to take good care of you and think they need some inducement to do so, which is offensive.

Many years ago when I worked in ICU in the West, families of critically ill patients still in the unit would sometimes bring us gifts. While we of course tried to be gracious about it, it made us all very, very uncomfortable, as it seemed to imply a belief that we weren't otherwise already doing our utmost, or that a better outcome for the patient could be secured by appeasing us. Which was not at all true. Gifts or cards/notes from patients or families after discharge (or, all too often in an ICU, death), on the other hand, were treasured...and the sentiment expressed mattered far more than the actual gift if any.

You never tip Doctors or Dentists unless they save your life!

Hell NO!