Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance in Colombian Dental Students

Ana C Mafla1, Kimon Divaris2, Harvey M Herrera-López2

  • 1Ana C. Mafla, DDS, MSPH, is Research Associate Professor, School of Dentistry, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, Colombia; Kimon Divaris, DDS, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, and Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Harvey M. Herrera-López, Psy MEd, MA, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, Colombia; and Marc W. Heft, DMD, MA, PhD, is University Term Professor and Director, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Florida ana.mafla@campusucc.edu.co.

Summary

Academic self-efficacy positively impacts dental student performance, particularly for women, those in lower socioeconomic strata, and students with heavy course loads. This study validates the Academic Behaviors Self-Efficacy Scale in dental education.

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