Chemist's in the UK - A dispensing chemist is a pharmacist allowed to fulfil prescriptions. A dispensing chemist will usually operate from a chemist's shop, usually abbreviated to "the chemist's". It is possible for a shop to be a general chemist without the ability to fulfil prescriptions, hence the modifier of 'dispensing'. In such cases, only 'Over the Counter' drugs and medications may be supplied, as these do not require the services of a licensed pharmacist. Such shops will also usually supply a wide range of health related goods.

Chemists are health professionals who practice pharmacy. Chemists typically take a request for medicines from a physician or doctor in the form of a medical prescription and dispense the medication to the patient. Chemists have many areas of expertise and are a critical source of medical knowledge in clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies throughout the UK.