EXHIBIT 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-56764) pertaining to the 1992 Stock Option Plan, 1992 Director Stock
Option Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and
the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-03583) pertaining to the Patterson
Dental Company Capital Accumulation Plan of Patterson Dental Company of our
reports dated May 29, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and the financial statement schedule included in this Annual Report
(Form 10-K) of Patterson Dental Company for the year ended April 27, 1996.


                                         /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                         

Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 23, 1996

                                      41