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Other
Health Professionals :
Medicine is not restricted to physicians. A wide variety of health
care practitioners work in this exciting field. By far the largest
professional group is nurses. Registered nurses help physicians
during examinations, treatment, and surgery. They observe, evaluate,
and record patients' symptoms, administer medications, and provide
other care. Nurse practitioners perform basic duties once reserved
for physicians, such as diagnosing and treating common illnesses
and prescribing medication. Certified nurse-midwives care for mothers
during pregnancy and deliver babies. Nurse-anesthetists administer
anesthesia to patients during surgery. Licensed practical nurses
provide basic bedside care for sick patients under the supervision
of registered nurses and physicians.
Physician
assistants deliver basic health services under the general supervision
of a physician. They examine patients, order X rays and laboratory
tests, and prescribe drugs or other treatment. In some rural areas,
physician assistants provide all basic health care for patients,
consulting with a supervising physician by telephone or electronic
mail.
Dentists
diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of the teeth, gums, and
other tissues in the mouth and jaws. Most are general practitioners,
but many specialize in a particular area of dental health. Orthodontists
treat teeth that are poorly aligned; oral surgeons operate on the
jaw and mouth; periodontists specialize in gum disease; pediatric
dentists care for children; endodontists perform root canals; prosthodontists
make and insert artificial teeth and dentures. Other dental professionals
include dental hygienists who assist dentists in surgery, clean
teeth, and provide fluoride treatments. They advise patients on
proper oral hygiene techniques to prevent tooth and gum disease.
For
more information about other health care practitioners, see the
table on Allied Health Professionals.
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