Oral cancer is a major global health problem andaffects more than 200000 people worldwide. These are often led by preexisting oral lesions termed as potentially malignant disorders of the oral mucosa. Oral cancer is associated with multiple risk factors. Though tobacco and alcohol consumption are the most common risk factors, studies have also revealed that DNA viruses, especially human papillomavirus (HPV) may be an important etiological factor for head and neck malignancy. HPV infection is a significant risk factor for cervical carcinoma; however the role of HPV in OSCC is less well defined. Hence this article throws a light on various studies which were done previously to show an association between HPV and potentially malignant disorders and oral cancers.