Abstract Similarities between cells of individual epithelial odontogenic tumors and the various stages of tooth formation have been described. The fact that each of the tumors may represent individual stages of odontogenesis could provide a logical basis for their interrelationship, one with the other. Such an embryonal concept also affords grounds for a reconciliation between the otherwise incompatible cytologic findings and clinical behavior of the ameloblastoma. This tumor would be regarded as a fundamentally benign proliferation which derives its “locally malignant” properties from invasive parent cells of the dental lamina. If the lesions are accepted as benign proliferations of embryonic-type cells, then it is important that the true nature of the overgrowths should be further assessed. Those occurring during the accepted period of tooth formation could well be hamartomatous and self-limiting, rather than neoplastic. Alternatively, the ones which occur in regions where a reactive stimulus is present may well be attributable to such a source, and treatment of the lesion would also involve removal of the stimulus.