The mode selection system for a power toothbrush includes a firstswitch (25) operable to control the ON/OFF condition of the toothbrush and asecond switch (29) operable when the first switch is in the OFF condition toselectone of a plurality of possible modes of operation programmed in thetoothbrush.A pre-established time is set during which the ON/OFF switch must be operatedto an ON condition after the mode selection switch has been operated to selectaparticular mode. The selected mode is indicated by a lit LED on a handleportionof the toothbrush.