Stages of Learning

The "learning ladder" depicts man`s progression from knowledge absorption to value adoption. The lenght of time a patient remainst at a particular stage varies.

Unawareness, the first step in the learning process, occurs when the patient has incomplete or inaccurate dental health information, e.g., fluoride causes cancer or soft teeth are inherited.

The Learning Process

Webster`s Dictionary defines learning as "a process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, instruction or experience".

If dental health education refers to those activities that attempt to impart knowledge and influence attitudes and behavior in individuals, for the purpose of improving oral health, then "those activities" must be solidly based in learning theory to be effective as change agents.