An anterior support device for use with a dental chair is disclosed which can provide support for a user's torso while he is in a forward leaning position. The anterior support device includes an adapter directly or indirectly secured to the dental chair and a first pivotable connector secured to the adapter. A first movable rod engages the first pivotable connector. The support device further includes a padded rest against which a user can lean his or her torso and a second pivotable connector secured to the padded rest. A second movable rod engages the second pivotable connector and is also rotatably connected to the first movable rod. An actuating mechanism is connected to the first and second movable rods and enables the two rods to be locked in a set position to maintain the padded rest in a desired orientation relative to the dental chair.