Base metal alloys have been used for over 60 years to cast removable partial denture frameworks. Among other elements, these alloys principally contain nickel, chromium and cobalt, and may be divided into the nickel-containing and nickel-free alloys. Because of the potential biocompatibility hazard created by these and other elements found in the alloys, this group of materials has come under ever increasing scrutiny in the literature. This paper reviews pertinent literature and reports on the findings of a survey on the base metal alloys used in Alberta for the casting of removable partial denture frameworks.