Clinical disease states encountered in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reviewed with an emphasis on oral Kaposi's sarcoma. The disease is reaching epidemic proportions among homosexual males and is characterized by onset of fever, malaise, diarrhea, and lymphadenopathy. Subsequent to these initial nonspecific signs and symptoms, patients develop a variety of opportunistic infections or Kaposi's sarcoma (or both). The oral lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma are characterized by red, blue, or purple plaques or nodules encountered primarily, yet not exclusively on the palate. Other oral manifestations of AIDS include candidiasis and herpetic stomatitis. Epidemiologic studies suggest the probability of a transmissible agent, perhaps a virus. It is recommended that dental care should be rendered to these patients, using mask and gloves with autoclave sterilization of all instruments.