Enhancing Professional Development and Emotional Resilience: The Role of Modified Balint Groups for Dental Practitioners. A Qualitative Study

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Abstract
Introduction: Eleven dental practitioners, aged 25–33, participated in two successive Balint groups (BGs) at our tertiary institute. A mental health professional and an oral medicine specialist co‐led each session. Aims: To qualitatively assess the potential of a modified Balint group (BG) to serve as a reflective model for enhancing emotional resilience and professional growth among dental practitioners in the unique environment of dental practice. Materials and Methods: Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews conducted by a clinical psychologist. Interviews were audio‐recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. The analysis yielded several key themes and subthemes reflecting participants' attitudes towards the group and its facilitators. Results: The analysis revealed four key themes that characterised the participants' experiences: professional growth opportunities, shared experiences and emotional support, perceptions of group leadership and format, and suggestions for group improvement. Discussion: The unique framework of modified Balint groups displays the potential to contribute to dental practitioners' development in several key areas, including professional identity formation, peer‐to‐peer experiential learning, mental well‐being, and enhanced motivation. However, it is important to acknowledge that Balint groups may not be universally suitable, and they present inherent challenges and obstacles for both participants and facilitators. Conclusions: Careful consideration of the unique needs of group participants is essential to fostering a constructive environment conducive to achieving the intended goals of the intervention.

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