There is a lot of work to be done on Bridbury’s teeth. Dentist John Andrew Waynes and his wife Elisabeth have their hands full, especially because check-ups at the dentist aren’t really a regular custom of ordinary citizens. In addition, only a few people can afford crowns and bridges. Only the bank manager Jonathan Bexley turned out to have enough money for two false front teeth made of porcelain and the mayor Geoffrey Redbridge has an appointment for a gold crown. But most of the citizens are already very content if they can afford a vulcanite filling. Nonetheless, John is not allowing himself to be pushed out of the field.

Together with a colleague in London he is experimenting with laughing gas as an anaesthetic to overcome the fear of pain and he has recently purchased a foot controlled drill, which substantially reduces the time spent by patients in the chair. His mission is to convince parents in Bridbury to send their children to him at the first sign of pain so that he can treat them on time. John is an amiable man and his glasses give him an aristocratic appearance. He is a dignitary in Bridbury and among other things fulfils the function of alderman for public affairs.

Elisabeth plays her part as dignitary’s wife with enthusiasm and takes tea everyday with Maggie Redbridge, the mayor’s wife and Jeanet Evans of the hat shop. But she is less friendly with Caroline Croydon of the sweetshop, because John once pronounced in public that sweet things are bad for the teeth. She has never forgiven him, and hence Elisabeth for this.