Patterson, Henry Schein investors may face pain-Barron's

NEW YORK, June 28 (Reuters) - Investors in dental products distributors Henry Schein (HSIC.O) and Patterson Cos (PDCO.O) may face some pain as the recession forces people to put off nonessential dental work, according to a Barron's report.

Patterson and Schein together control about 70 percent of the approximately $7 billion North American market, Barron's said. Both have expanded into medical and animal-health products but still depend heavily on their dental units, which sell everything from toothbrushes to X-ray machines, the article added.

But in the economic recession, consumers are putting off all nonessential procedures which can include teeth whitening and replacing aging crowns.

Sales slowdown could continue past autumn, especially if economic recovery is slow, the report said, adding that both companies would do better when the economy recovers, which could take another year or two.

Schein stock fetches about 15 times its consensus 2009 profit estimate, while Patterson trades at 12 times estimated fiscal 2010 profit, Barron's said.

On Friday, Schein shares closed at $47.51 and Patterson at $21.41.

(Reporting by Aarthi Sivaraman; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)