<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PATTERSON DENTAL COMPANY FOR THE SIX 
MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 25, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-25-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-27-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-25-1997
<CASH>                                          21,220
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   98,010
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,835
<INVENTORY>                                     69,435
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               188,862
<PP&E>                                          55,796
<DEPRECIATION>                                  19,668
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 270,132
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           74,249
<BONDS>                                          3,810
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           221
<OTHER-SE>                                     183,135
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   270,132
<SALES>                                        371,623
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               371,623
<CGS>                                          235,009
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  235,009
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               107,592
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   440
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 417
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 29,478
<INCOME-TAX>                                    11,075
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             18,403
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    18,403
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .84
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .84