An motorized electric toothbrush (10) includes a removable brush head (16) and a switch (12) that allows the toothbrush (10) to be used in an "automatic" mode. The "automatic" mode provides for intermittent motorized operation, such that when the brush head (16) contacts the operator's teeth, a second switch (20) is automatically actuated and the motor (14) engaged. The brush head (16) is easily removed for replacement when the bristles become worn or allow use of the toothbrush (10) by multiple users.