Covid-19

In the 21st century, three significant pandemics, linked to novel coronaviruses, have unfolded. The latest is the COVID-19 disease, caused by the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This ongoing global health threat is characterized by high-virulence transmission and direct human contagion, especially affecting healthcare professionals and presenting challenges in dentistry due to the nature of outpatient procedures. This review provides a concise overview of acute respiratory diseases, compares historical coronavirus outbreaks, discusses technical issues such as mask use and socio-economic challenges, and explores patient management strategies, contributing to a holistic understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic's implications on public health and healthcare delivery.