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) May 23, 2006

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 May 23, 2006, 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 May 23, 2006, 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: May 23, 2006

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibits
99.1	Press release dated May 23, 2006, which is filed pursuant to Item 8.01.

EX-99

1 Becton Drive

Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

www.bd.com

News Release

Contact:

Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369

Patricia A. Spinella, Investor Relations – 201-847-5453

BD BOARD DECLARES DIVIDEND

Franklin Lakes, NJ (May 23, 2006) – The Board of Directors of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX) has declared a quarterly dividend of 21.5 cents per common share. The dividend will be payable on June 30, 2006 to holders of record on June 9, 2006. The indicated annual dividend rate is 86 cents per share.

ABOUT BD

BD, a leading global medical technology company that makes and sells medical devices, instrumented systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company'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 more than 25,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

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