Exhibit 23(i)

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Capital Accumulation Plan of Patterson Dental Company of 
our reports dated June 1, 1995, with respect to the consolidated financial 
statements of Patterson Dental Company incorporated by reference in its Annual 
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 29, 1995 and the related financial 
statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.

                                             Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 8, 1996


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