A magnetic actuator system for a power toothbrush, comprising: a case; a spindle of magnetizable material which extends through the case; at least one pair of spaced permanent magnet assemblies (14, 16) fixed in position in the case, wherein the permanent magnet assemblies are identical and each comprise a plurality of north pole/south pole magnet sections, and wherein the north/south pole magnet sections of one permanent magnet assembly are positioned so that the magnetic poles alternate opposite to that of the north/south pole magnet sections of the other permanent magnet assembly, longitudinally a north polarity of a magnet section in the one permanent magnet assembly being in registry with a south polarity magnet section in the other permanent magnet assembly; a coil winding which surrounds the spindle in the space between the permanent magnet assemblies; a pair of magnet pole assemblies (28, 30) of a magnetic material, each having a ring portion adjacent the spindle and a plurality of equally spaced magnetic pole members, attached to the spindle, positioned within a volume bounded by the permanent magnet assemblies, wherein the magnetic pole members extend radially outward from the spindle toward the permanent magnet assemblies, wherein each of the magnetic pole members increases slightly in width from the ring portion to the free end of the pole member, and wherein the free ends of the pole members extend almost to the magnet sections; and a source for applying, in operation of the magnetic actuator system, an energizing signal in the form of a square wave about zero or an alternating current to the coil winding, for magnetizing one of the magnet pole assemblies to north and magnetizing the other of the magnet pole assemblies to south, resulting in an oscillating movement of the spindle at a selected frequency and angle, wherein the spindle is adapted to receive a brushhead assembly or a spring assembly adapted to receive a brushhead assembly, for cleaning of a user's teeth. a case; a spindle of magnetizable material which extends through the case; at least one pair of spaced permanent magnet assemblies (14, 16) fixed in position in the case, wherein the permanent magnet assemblies are identical and each comprise a plurality of north pole/south pole magnet sections, and wherein the north/south pole magnet sections of one permanent magnet assembly are positioned so that the magnetic poles alternate opposite to that of the north/south pole magnet sections of the other permanent magnet assembly, longitudinally a north polarity of a magnet section in the one permanent magnet assembly being in registry with a south polarity magnet section in the other permanent magnet assembly; a coil winding which surrounds the spindle in the space between the permanent magnet assemblies; a pair of magnet pole assemblies (28, 30) of a magnetic material, each having a ring portion adjacent the spindle and a plurality of equally spaced magnetic pole members, attached to the spindle, positioned within a volume bounded by the permanent magnet assemblies, wherein the magnetic pole members extend radially outward from the spindle toward the permanent magnet assemblies, wherein each of the magnetic pole members increases slightly in width from the ring portion to the free end of the pole member, and wherein the free ends of the pole members extend almost to the magnet sections; and a source for applying, in operation of the magnetic actuator system, an energizing signal in the form of a square wave about zero or an alternating current to the coil winding, for magnetizing one of the magnet pole assemblies to north and magnetizing the other of the magnet pole assemblies to south, resulting in an oscillating movement of the spindle at a selected frequency and angle, wherein the spindle is adapted to receive a brushhead assembly or a spring assembly adapted to receive a brushhead assembly, for cleaning of a user's teeth.