Foreword, in the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing health becomes inevitable. The publication entitled “Dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador: behavior of age groups in district 03D01” constitutes a valuable contribution to understanding the complexities of dental care in this exceptional context. The scenario presented, as clarified in these pages by the research team, reflects the complexity involved in addressing oral health in the midst of an unprecedented health emergency. Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease in Wuhan until its classification as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the world has witnessed substantial changes in the provision of health services, particularly in the field of dental care. The methodology of the study, which focuses on the age groups of District 03D01 of Ecuador, not only analyzes dental care during the pandemic, but also contextualizes these practices within the different stages of isolation and social distancing. The treatment of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly is presented as a fundamental element to understand the specific requirements of each group during this difficult period.****The introductory section of the publication sets the background of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications in Ecuador in a clear and concise manner, and provides fundamental data to facilitate the understanding of the context in which the study is carried out. Measures enacted by the Ecuadorian government and population, such as the mandatory use of masks and restrictions on mobility, are presented as indispensable factors that have impacted the daily routine of Ecuadorian society and, therefore, the provision of health services.****The research, which is based on statistical data provided by the Ministry of Public Health, explores variations in dental care throughout 2020, distinguishing between the stages of isolation and social distancing. This approach aims to identify patterns and trends that contribute significantly to our understanding of how the pandemic has affected oral health in different age groups.****Each chapter of the publication is presented as a crucial component for the overall understanding of dental care during the pandemic. From the care provided to children to that provided to older adults, readers will have the opportunity to delve into the specific characteristics of each age group, their needs, and the emergencies that occur most frequently during the COVID-19 outbreak.****This book is not only a scientific document, but also a practical resource for dental professionals, health policy makers, and anyone interested in gaining insight into the complexities of providing dental care in times of crisis in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador.****

This book is included in DOAB.