canines, premolars) and after formation of the single generation of molars in sequence (MI-3). The dential lamina in humans undergoes apoptotic disintegration and breaks down to prevent further de novo regeneration after the development of the partial second generation'. Therefore, we address whether the remnants of fragmented human dental lamina - called dental lamina rests (DLR: those restricted epithelial cell populations) - are com- monly present and whether they can retain a level of regenerative potential and progenitor activity that could be utilised by future dental therapies. These DLRS are commonly found within the dental follicle (DF) of unerupted teeth and in the connective tissues which comprise the wall of the dentigerous cyst (DC) of the jaws. It is known that these rested cell populations possess some ability to further proliferate as they can form a number of aberrant structures in the human oral cavity, including odontomas and amneloblastomas": these odon- togenic tumours are considered hamartoma or benign neoplasms respectively, but can be very destructive. We aimed to compare these epithelial remnunts (DLRS) with epithelia associated with both human ameloblastom and a continuously active dental lamina present in the shark (Scyliorhinus canicula) necessary for lifelong tooth regeneration This comparison is significant to recognise the common stem-like factors within these tismues that may indicate a retained capacity for regeneration in adult human DLRS. Recent data suggests that the shark dental lamina actively and rapidily produces teeth in a conveyor belt-like process that (1) is governed by a highly set of core genes shared from sharks to mammals' and (ii) fed by populations of progenitor cells for conserve continuous production". We hypothesise that human DLRS, common in adult oral tissues, are a potential source of stem cells (progenitors) fated for dental differentiation and could be utilised for novel tooth regeneration in humans after tooth loss.