Dr. Harold Slavkin Elected to Board of Directors of Patterson Dental

    Dec. 5, 2001
    New member is a renowned authority on craniofacial development and genetic birth defects.

    Patterson Dental Company (Nasdaq:PDCO) today announced that its Board of Directors has been expanded to seven members with the election of Dr. Harold C. Slavkin.

    Slavkin is currently dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. Formerly director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which is one of the National Institutes of Health, Slavkin is considered one of the world's leading authorities on craniofacial development and genetic birth defects.

    Peter L. Frechette, president and chief executive officer, commented: "As an internationally acclaimed expert in his field, Dr. Slavkin brings a variety of special capabilities to the Patterson Board. We look forward to working with him in this new capacity and believe he will make valuable contributions to Patterson's future success."

    CONTACT: R. Stephen Armstrong, 651/686-1600

    or visit our web site at www.pattersondental.com