EXHIBIT 23.2

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Patterson Dental Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan of
our report dated May 25, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Patterson Dental Company included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 29, 2000, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 12, 2000