Top 25 Women in Dentistry: Maureen Knott, VP of Product Advertising, Henry Schein Inc.

Maureen Knott is the Vice President of Product Advertising at Henry Schein Inc., the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to dentists, physicians and veterinarians. Her position is a role she worked very hard to achieve since she started as an administrative assistant in 1986. She attributes her success to many different factors of her life, one being her excellent communication skills, especially with Henry Schein’s supplier partners.

“The keys to success are to listen, communicate and follow-up,” she said. “I think in the world we live in today, everyone is moving 100 miles a minute and our primary way of communicating is through email. Take the time to pick up the phone and call your business associates, partners and customers. I find when you speak to people directly, you build relationships and trust.

“I have been very fortunate to be with Henry Schein for over 26 years,” she said. “I have never had a day that I woke up in the morning and dreaded going to work. If you are passionate about what you do, success will come your way.”

That’s not to say her job is ever easy. Knott has to manage her time carefully to be efficient in her career and life. To have her say in a variety of different projects, she has had to learn the delicate art of delegation.

“Productivity is essential for me,” she said. “Having a calendar full of meetings is challenging. I am learning to delegate more and realizing its okay to say no every once in a while.”

In Knott’s job, teamwork is vital and an open environment that encourages idea sharing can mean the difference between a project being just good and the best there is.

“One person does not make it happen. There is always a team of people that bring the concept to a reality,” she said. “Make sure you recognize those individuals and thank them along the way.”

Knott hopes to continue her participation in charity programs through Henry Schein Cares. She also plans to become a mentor to those she works with to help them become more successful in attaining their goals in their careers.