Docent Einar Koskimaa is applying for a professorship in odontology, or dentistry. He is not selected for the position because his wayward daughter Lotta Koskimaa has caused a scandal at the school dance. Frustrated and estranged from his wife, Einar falls in love with candidate Raili Tervola, who is also liked by the docent's student son Viljo Koskimaa.
