C albicans is an opportunistic fungus that produces infection almost exclusively in debilitated or immunocompromised people. The importance of the recognition of candidiasis is not only in the prompt institution of appropriate therapy but also in the identification and treatment of underlying systemic disease. The high rate of occurrence of candidiasis in patients with AIDS or ARC, often as the first symptom, is of significance to the dental practitioner, who may be the first health professional to see such patients.