The first-quarter earnings season is set to pick up steam in the coming days, with more than 175 S&P 500 companies reporting next week. Meanwhile, the moderately fair results have reinstated hope that had been dimmed by the dull projections issued at the onset of the season.As per the latest Earnings Trend Report, overall first-quarter earnings for S&P 500 companies are expected to be down 9.7% from the year-ago quarter, slightly better than the earlier estimated figure of a 10.1% decline.Notably, earnings growth is expected to be positive for 10 of the 16 Zacks sectors in the quarter ended Mar 2016. Medical is one of those few sectors with an earnings growth projection of 1.9% based on revenue growth of 9.0%.Dental is an important component of the medical sector and is expected follow the same earnings growth trajectory in the quarter. Here we take a sneak peek into three major dental providers lined up to report earnings over the next week (Apr 25-29):Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings LH, a healthcare diagnostics company, is set to report first-quarter 2016 results on Apr 25. LabCorp plans to focus on organic growth by introducing new tests to its existing as well as new customers, channels and markets. Moreover, tuck-in acquisitions are expected to expand operating capabilities that will drive overall results going forward.Notably, LabCorp’s earnings have topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters by an average of 1.83%. (Read more: LabCorp Earnings Likely to Beat Estimates in Q1)C.R. Bard Inc. BCR is slated to report first-quarter 2016 earnings on Apr 27. The growing adoption of Lutonix drug coated-balloon (DCB) will continue to be the key growth catalyst for Bard. Improving reimbursement rates also bode well for the product. However, pricing pressure and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate are the primary headwinds in the near term.We note that C.R. Bard has posted a positive earnings surprise of 2.17% on an average over the last four quarters. (Read More: C.R. Bard to Report Q1 Earnings: What's in the Cards?)Cardinal Health Inc. CAH is scheduled to release third-quarter fiscal 2016 earnings on Apr 28. The company banks on acquisitions, strategic buyouts, joint ventures and supply agreements to drive growth. However, foreign exchange rate volatility and generic pricing pressure are major concerns.Notably, Cardinal Health’s earnings have topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, by an average of 8.52%. (Read More: What's in Store for Cardinal Health in Q3 Earnings?)Check later on our full write-up on earnings releases of these stocks.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BARD C R INC (BCR): Free Stock Analysis Report LABORATORY CP (LH): Free Stock Analysis Report CARDINAL HEALTH (CAH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.