Yes, it is possible for HPV to be dormant for years. I've actually seen an elderly woman who was diagnosed with HPV well over a decade after her husband died! In men, HPV can cause genital warts, but these are pretty much harmless (just unsightly). It doesn't really do much else in men, so I wouldn't worry about your husband. If he gets a wart, he should see a doctor to make sure that's what it is and have it removed, but otherwise he should be fine. HPV is much more of a concern in women since it can lead to cervical cancer, so keep up with your Pap smears and other recommendations your doctor makes.