Epidemiological Profile of Oral Health Conditions in Ecuador: A Retrospective Study From 2016 to 2022.

INTRODUCTION: The Global Action Plan on Oral Health 2023-2030 is reaffirmed, promoting prevention, equitable access, and affordability of essential oral healthcare, aligned with universal health coverage and addressing social and commercial determinants of oral health. The plan aims for resilient health systems based on primary healthcare (PHC). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the frequency and distribution of the main oral pathologies treated in the establishments of the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador between 2016 and 2022. METHODOLOGY: This study employs a retrospective methodology, utilizing a database provided by the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador of the RDACAA and PRAS applications, treated in the Qview program, and presented in Microsoft Excel 2019. The Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador uses the ICD-10 code for the coding of diagnoses, considering age, sex, ethnic self-identification, and priority groups. RESULTS: The results show that dentin caries (K02.1) is the most frequent pathology, followed by acute gingivitis (K05.0) and deposits on teeth (K03.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides crucial information at a national level and proposes to be a pioneer in the planning and execution of oral health policies in Ecuador, suggesting a reformulation of the National Oral Health Plan.