The effects of short-term social support from dentists on the stress experienced by parents of pediatric dental patients.

Parents of pediatric dental patients were observed in a university clinic waiting room as they were greeted by student dentists. Soon after the dentist left with the child, the parents completed a series of scales assessing their perceived social support from the dentist, their anxiety and distress levels, and their confidence in the dentist. Regression analysis indicated that perceived social support from the dentist was associated negatively with parental distress regarding the dental treatment (beta = .-45, P < .01) and parental state anxiety (beta = .-37, P < .01). In addition, social support was associated positively with parent's confidence in the dentist beta = .54, P < .01). Possible mediational paths and clinical implications are discussed.