EXHIBIT 99.2

   CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. (S)1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION
                     906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Annual Report of Patterson Dental Company, (the
"Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended April 26, 2003, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, R.
Stephen Armstrong, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. (S)1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, that:

     1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     2.  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission
or its staff upon request.

                                          /s/ R. STEPHEN ARMSTRONG

                                          R. Stephen Armstrong
                                          Chief Financial Officer
                                          July 22, 2003