Preliminary Validation of an Ageism Scale for Dental Students in Chile

Soraya León; Francisca Araya-Bustos; Karla Gambetta-Tessini; Fabiola Moraga; Daniela Uribe; Leonardo Marchini; Rodrigo A Giacaman

doi:10.1111/scd.70115

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Preliminary Validation of an Ageism Scale for Dental Students in Chile

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Preliminary Validation of an Ageism Scale for Dental Students in Chile

Soraya León, Francisca Araya-Bustos, Karla Gambetta-Tessini, Fabiola Moraga, Daniela Uribe, Leonardo Marchini and Rodrigo A Giacaman

Special care in dentistry, Vol.45(6), e70115

11/2025

DOI: 10.1111/scd.70115

PMID: 41229104

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Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to conduct a preliminary validation of the Chilean version of the Ageism Scale for Dental Students (ASDS-CL). Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 303 dental students from six Chilean universities. The original ASDS was translated and culturally adapted. The internal structure was assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was measured with Cronbach's alpha. Discriminant validity was evaluated by comparing scores across sociodemographic variables. Results PCA identified a four-factor solution comprising 18 items: (1) Preconceived notions about older adults’ oral health, (2) Negative views and professional decisions, (3) Students’ competence and confidence, and (4) Social perception and access barriers. These factors explained 50% of the total variance (KMO = 0.76; Bartlett's test p < 0.001). Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.72). CFA confirmed the four-factor structure (RMSEA = 0.071; CFI = 0.82; TLI = 0.80). Discriminant validity analyses revealed significant differences by gender, academic year, and prior experience with older adults. Conclusions The ASDS-CL showed satisfactory psychometric properties and cultural adequacy in Chilean dental students. Future research should assess longitudinal changes and aim to establish an internationally relevant core of ageism assessment in dental education.

Chile

Adult

Ageism

Cross-Sectional Studies

Factor Analysis, Statistical

Female

Humans

Male

Principal Component Analysis

Psychometrics

Reproducibility of Results

Students, Dental - psychology

Surveys and Questionnaires

Young Adult

Details

Title: Subtitle: Preliminary Validation of an Ageism Scale for Dental Students in Chile
Creators: Soraya León - University of Talca
Francisca Araya-Bustos - University of Talca
Karla Gambetta-Tessini - National Dental Centre of Singapore
Fabiola Moraga - University of Talca
Daniela Uribe - University of Talca
Leonardo Marchini - University of Iowa
Rodrigo A Giacaman - University of Talca
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Special care in dentistry, Vol.45(6), e70115
DOI: 10.1111/scd.70115
PMID: 41229104
NLM abbreviation: Spec Care Dentist
ISSN: 1754-4505
eISSN: 1754-4505
Publisher: Wiley
Grant note: (INGE210025) / Proyecto InES-Género Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo
Language: English
Date published: 11/2025
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry
Record Identifier: 9985026456702771

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