Who can diagnose problems and prescribe drugs?

Question

I've identified seven different degrees that allow someone to both diagnose problems and prescribe medication. They are:

MD
DO
DPM
DDS
DMD
NP
PA

Am I missing anyone? And what is the difference between a DDS and DMD exactly?

Let me specify: Who can prescribe human ailments and prescribe drugs that one would get from a pharmacy.

Answer 1

DDS and DMD are the same thing. The only difference is which part of the country (or which country) you receive your dentist degree from. I believe DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD is Doctor of Medical Dentistry, but they are the same thing.

Answer 2

Difference between a DDS and a DMD is really nothing. Some dental schools confer the DDS, while others the Doctor of Medical Dentistry.

Answer 3

Any of the above should be able to diagnose medical problems. The MD and DO degrees are now very similar, although that was not always the case in past decades. A graduate from a school of osteopathic medicine is eligible to partake in any recognized residency program.

Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants cannot prescribe in my state. I know that bills have been up for vote in the state legislature to allow them to prescribe. It could vary from state to state.

Answer 4

A counselor or psychologist or social worker cannot prescribe the drugs themselves, but in my experience they have been able to suggest it to my general practitioner after an evaluation (my doc wouldn't prescribe until I saw a counselor), otherwise a psychiatrist can prescribe as well.

Answer 5

i think a dmd is a dental suregeon

Answer 6

OD - optometrist
ND - doctor of naturopathy (v. limited)
DVM - veterinarian, to animals