It seems only if your familiar, as 'dear' is a familiar term.
If you are addressing several men and women in a letter, then the salutation can be 'Dear Ladies and Gentlemen'. Another salutation can be 'Sirs and Madams'. These types of salutations can be used for men and women that are on a committee.
comma or colon Examples: Dear A n na, Dear Sirs:
Gentlemen
The alternative to addressing a formal letter to "Dear Sirs" is to use "Dear Madam or Sir" or "To Whom It May Concern."
no
Dear Sirs:
Dear Sirs,
Dear Sirs and Madams, is the way one would head a semi formal letter. There are countless different ways to start a letter depending on who it is being sent to.
Dear Sirs and Madam:
Dear Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones or Dear Sirs as an example
The ideal way to address a committee would be "Dear members of the committee" or "Dear Sirs"
Begin with "Dear sirs".