Dental assistants assist the dentist and keep patient records. They also set up the patient and dental equipment. They assist the dentist in times of emergency and instruct patients in proper teeth cleaning, monitor supplies and inventory and may clean and polish hand-held dental instruments.

Dental hygienists clean teeth and remove stains and deposits from teeth. They look at teeth and gums for signs of disease. They educate patients on brushing and flossing, take and develop X-rays, and apply fluoride or sealants on teeth and help keep the dental equipment in good working order and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.

Dentists care not only for teeth and gums, but also for the muscles and bones within or supporting the mouth. They do routine procedures such as filling cavities, cleaning teeth and repairing broken ones. They may also perform surgeries within or around the mouth to promote dental health, improve appearance and prevent disease.

Oral surgeons, also referred to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and defects in the mouth, jaws, neck, face and skull regions. Common treatments include the removal of impacted teeth, reconstructive surgery, lip reconstruction and insertion of dental implants.

Prosthodontist specialize in crowns, bridges and dentures and other methods to replace missing teeth.  They construct oral prostheses to correct natural and acquired deformation of mouth and jaws to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve appearance.

A gerontologist studies the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and societal effects of the aging process on the human body. Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in working with elderly patients. They provide their services to people in nursing homes, senior citizen centers, and other similar facilities.

Medical assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examinations and drawing blood.

Physician assistants provide health care services under a physician’s supervision. They perform tasks that are usually performed by doctors. They conduct physical exams and provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may prescribe medications.

Child life specialists are trained to provide care to children and adolescents who may be facing issues such as medical procedures or illness. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices. These professionals are trained to identify children with needs and help address those needs through play or counseling. Child life specialists may also provide support to the families of children who are facing illness or injury and require medical care.

A clinical psychologist’s primary tasks are the assessment and treatment of mental health issues, including emotional or social disorders. A clinical psychologist’s job responsibilities may include development and supervision of mental health programs. Clinical psychologists can work in private practices, mental health organizations and hospitals with individuals, families, couples or groups of all ages.

Community Health Workers play a vital role in improving a patient’s health by providing a connection between health systems and community resources, as well as education on how to reduce behavioral health risk factors. They provide encouragement and social support to assist individuals with goal setting and barrier identification. CHWs assist in coordinating care by linking people to appropriate information and services, serve as a liaison between individuals and community healthcare systems, provide appropriate health education to individuals, organizations and/or communities, in an effort to reduce modifiable risk factors and encourage healthy behaviors. They also recognize gaps and advocate for individual and community health needs.

Health care social workers provide individuals, families and groups with the support they need to cope with serious illnesses. They advise and support family care givers, provide patient education and counseling, and make referrals when needed. They may also provide care and manage treatment plans designed to promote health, prevent disease and address barriers to access to health care.

Mental health counselors work as primary mental health caregivers. They conduct mental health assessments, develop individualized treatment plans and lead therapy sessions. They may make treatment referrals as needed.

Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose, analyze and treat mental health disorders.

Counselors provide all-around counseling and treatment. They work under the direction of a patient’s doctor as they provide counseling and treatment to those with mental health or substance abuse issues. They may work with people who have alcohol, tobacco, drug or other problems, such as gambling or eating disorders. Counselors may work with individuals, families or groups.

Immunologists are physicians who study the functions and disorders of the immune system. Disorders include asthma, allergies, arthritis, lupus and Crohn’s disease. Career paths include direct patient care or research of diagnoses and treatment options.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who deliver pain-relieving medications during surgical procedures and monitor patients’ vital signs. In addition to working with patients in the operating room, anesthesiologists also provide pain relief services to people who suffer from chronic pain, during labor and delivery, and to patients in the intensive care unit. They work closely with surgeons and other physicians to formulate a treatment plan before, during and after a surgical procedure.

Chiropractors are alternative health care practitioners who diagnose and treat health problems associated with the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems. Chiropractors treat patients primarily by manipulating parts of the body, especially the spinal column. By means of this manipulation, chiropractors try to correct any disorders of the skeleton or spine that may interrupt the flow of nerve impulses to various parts of the body.

Dermatologists are physicians that specialize in the treatment and care of the skin. They diagnose and treat skin conditions related to the scalp, hair and nails.

Family and general practitioners are often called primary care physicians. They diagnose, treat and help prevent disease and injuries. Family practitioners may refer patients to doctors who are experts in certain diseases, called specialists, when further treatment is needed.

Hospitalists provide inpatient care in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers or emergency rooms. They manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.

Internists are physicians who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of disease and injuries of internal organ systems. They provide care mainly for adults who have a wide range of problems associated with the internal organs.

An OB/GYN, or obstetrician and gynecologist, is a type of doctor that specializes in treating female patients. OB/GYNs can act as a woman’s primary doctor, but they also specialize in care related to pregnancies and the reproductive system. OB/GYNs also identify, treat and monitor ailments related to the female anatomy, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, pelvic disorders, urinary tract infections and hormonal disorders.

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in treating and diagnosing ailments of the eye.

Optometrists, or Doctors of optometry, examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Optometrists prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, and contact lenses and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and nonsurgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyles.

Pediatricians diagnose, treat and help prevent children’s diseases and injuries. When children become sick, you diagnose the child and may recommend a treatment plan. Many pediatricians first visit a newborn after he or she is born.

Physiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.), certified as a specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine. Physiatrists are certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in treatment of the feet and ankles. They work with patients to prevent injuries and diagnose and heal existing injuries. Podiatry involves taking x-rays, setting fractures and treating other injuries, as well as prescribing physical therapy and medication.

Sports medicine physicians prescribe treatments for professional and amateur athletes who have become injured. These doctors may work in hospitals and clinics, or with high school, collegiate or professional sports organizations. Specialized training in a sports medicine fellowship program is required.

Surgeons are physicians who treat diseases and injuries by performing surgery. Some surgeries are invasive, and others are minimally-invasive or non-invasive. They examine patients to get information on medical history and surgical risk. They operate on patients to repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases or restore patient’s abilities.

Urologists diagnose, treat and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.

Athletic trainers help prevent injuries among athletes and help them recover from injuries. They are health care professionals that diagnose and treat injuries caused by stress to the musculoskeletal system. They are also trained to teach injury prevention methods to people who work in jobs that have a high demand of physical activity.

Physical therapist assistants assist the physical therapist in treating patients. They may help them exercise, apply hot or cold packs, or perform special ultrasound or electrical treatments. They may help patients increase their strength and assist in developing treatment plans or keep track of the patient’s progress.

Physical therapists assess patients and create plans to help them improve their movement, relieve pain and increase strength. They evaluate the effects of treatment and adjust to maximize the benefits. Physical therapists also test the patient’s strength, motor skills and functions, sensory perceptions, respiratory or circulatory efficiency and show patients how to perform the prescribed exercises and review progress. Physical therapists help decrease or prevent problems due to disease or injury.

Physical therapy aides clean and set up the treatment area, move patients and perform clerical duties.