8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) July 22, 2008

BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

New Jersey

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

001-4802	22-0760120
(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1 Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey	07417-1880
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(201) 847-6800

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

o Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K Filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS.

        On July 22, 2008, BD issued a press release announcing the declaration of a quarterly dividend. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(c)	Exhibits.
	99.1	Press release dated July 22, 2008, which is filed pursuant to Item 8.01.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibits
99.1	Press release dated July 22, 2008, which is filed pursuant to Item 8.01.

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
(Registrant)

By: /s/ Dean J. Paranicas

        Dean J. Paranicas
        Vice President, Corporate
        Secretary and Public Policy

Date: July 28, 2008

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

1 Becton Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
www.bd.com

News Release

Contacts:
Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369
Patricia A. Spinella, Investor Relations – 201-847-5453

BD BOARD DECLARES DIVIDEND

Franklin Lakes, NJ (July 22, 2008) – The Board of Directors of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX) has declared a quarterly dividend of 28.5 cents per common share. The dividend will be payable on September 30, 2008 to holders of record on September 9, 2008. The indicated annual dividend rate is $1.14 per share.

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people’s health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD’s capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world’s most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

***