Q: Classify according to the learning ladder model – the patient is aware of his periodontal disease but is not taking actions to resolve the problem.
(A.) Awareness
(B.) Self-interest
(C.) Involvement
(D.) Habit
Mini Boards Reviews for the National + Local Anesthesia + CSCE Dental Hygiene Boards Exams
This question is obviously related to Community Oral Health, which is a super important chapter to review for the National Dental Hygiene Board Exams (NBDHE, NDHCE).
There are 6 steps in the learning ladder model.
- Unawareness: patient lacks information and/or has incorrect information about a problem.
- Awareness: patient knows about a problem but does not take actions.
- Self-interest: patient knows about the problem and shows interest in taking actions.
- Involvement: patient wants more knowledge and wants to participate.
- Action: patient acts to resolve the problem. New behaviors are formed.
- Habit: lifestyle has changed.
Answer: (B.) Awareness
In this case, the patient is “aware.” Therefore, we can see that the patient is at least at the level of awareness. But the patient is not doing anything to improve the situation. The description also does not give us any clue that the patient is showing interest in taking the action. If he/she did, the patient could belong to the category of “self-interest.” But it is not the case here. So we can leave the patient in the “awareness” category.
Concepts in community health are rather difficult to grasp in my opinion because they are vague. I personally would much rather detect periodontal diseases than think about theories in community health for the National Dental Hygiene Board Exams (NBDHE, NDHCE). But we have to swallow the pill. Try to apply this knowledge when you see your next patient. What step is he/she in according to the learning ladder? If you practice this a few times, you will have a much easier time tackling questions like this on the Dental Hygiene Board Exams. StudentRDH Dental Hygiene Board Exams Review for the National (NBDHE, NDHCE) has a testlet section under the chapter of Community Health and Research Principles. Make sure to practice those mini-scenarios for the big day if you subscribe to StudentRDH.
National (NBDHE, NDHCE)+ Local Anesthesia + CSCE Dental Hygiene Boards Review by StudentRDH
Want to see if StudentRDH works for you?
Start NOW or FREE Trial
(Disclaimer: StudentRDH is NOT affiliated with the NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, WREB.)
