HIV and AIDS in the adolescent and adult: an update for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

HIV and AIDS are among the most complex disease states affecting the worldwide population. OMS and other care providers should have a good understanding of the myriad of systemic effects of this disease and its treatment. This disease affects every system in the body, and in order to provide the best care to these patients, a basic knowledge of this disease process is mandatory. The OMS has the potential to assist in the initial diagnosis of HIV and in recognition of worsening disease. Research continues to examine new treatment modalities, and the search for a vaccine continues. Until a cure is found, the stark statistic seen on bumper stickers remains: 40,000,000 infected. 0 cured.