For a free trial of World Book Online, click here . Physicians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions. Primary care physicians treat general medical problems, but many physicians specialize in one area of medicine. Other types of doctors include chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and veterinarians. Chiropractors treat diseases and conditions by manipulating or adjusting the spine and other parts of the body.
Dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and other problems of the teeth, jaws, and gums.
Optometrists diagnose vision problems and diseases. They may prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. Podiatrists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions of the foot and lower leg. Veterinarians treat animals. The system, known as the Apgar score, assigns a numerical score to five vital functions measured one and five minutes after birth.