Human herpesviruses (HHVs) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common in the general population and, in immunocompetent people, are mostly carried asymptomatically. However, once an individual becomes immunocompromised by age, illness or HIV infection these dormant viruses can manifest and produce disease. In HIV‐positive patients, there is an increased risk of disease caused by HHVs and HPV infections and cancers caused by the oncoviruses Epstein–Barr Virus, HHV‐8 and HPV. This workshop examined four questions regarding the viruses associated with oral cancers and disease in the HIV‐positive and ‐negative populations, the immune response, and biomarkers useful for accurate diagnostics of these infections and their sequalae. Each presenter identified a number of key areas where further research is required.