Dental Director
Job Description
The Dental Director serves as a clinical subject matter expert for the dental health plan, supporting key functions such as quality management, utilization review, clinical policy development, and regulatory compliance. This individual contributor role also plays a vital part in advancing enterprise thought leadership through the development of clinical position papers, white papers, and dental health research that inform business strategy and shape market influence. The Dental Director ensures all work aligns with applicable state and federal requirements, including CMS, Medicaid, and state dental board regulations, and collaborates cross-functionally to support the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and compliant dental care. Candidates must hold an active California State Dental License in good standing to be considered.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a clinical advisor and subject matter expert across dental operations, policy, and quality programs.
- Provide oversight and clinical decision-making support for utilization review, credentialing, peer review, grievances and appeals, claims review, medical necessity, and access and availability processes.
- Develop, review, and maintain evidence-based clinical policies and guidelines aligned to current industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support dental quality thought leadership, including dental staff training and continuing education for the enterprise.
- Support regulatory and accreditation readiness (e.g., ACA, NCQA, state Medicaid programs), ensuring documentation, processes, and policies are audit ready.
- Contribute to dental quality improvement initiatives, including the Quality Improvement Work Plan (QIWP), care gap closure strategies, and performance measurement.
- Partner with cross-functional teams - including quality, operations, and network - to ensure consistent, member-centered dental care delivery.
- Prepare for and participate in state, group, and regulatory exams and audits, representing the clinical oversight of all areas of quality.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations and support organizational compliance goals.
- Lead, develop, and deliver wellness webinars for customers that are tied to key clinical priorities.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in clinical dentistry, dental administration, policy, or managed care roles.
- DDS or DMD degree required; Master In Public Health preferred.
- California State Dental License in good standing required.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to serve as a catalyst for change.
- Ability to navigate various technology platforms.
- High level of accountability for delivery of audit and exam responses in a timely manner.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Expert dental clinical knowledge.
- Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and virtual presentation (Zoom or Teams).
Licenses
- California State Dental License in good standing required.
Base Pay Information The national base pay range at the end is a good-faith estimate of what Delta Dental may pay for new hires. Actual pay may vary based on Delta Dental's assessment of the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), related experience, education, certifications and ability to meet required minimum job qualifications. Other factors impacting pay include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity. Pay Grade 24. $122,400 - $265,100 Additional Information Behind the smile! We are dedicated to safeguarding the health and financial stability of our employees and their loved ones. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellbeing. Our life-changing rewards package includes:
- Competitive base and incentive pay
- 401(k) with robust matching and non-matching contributions
- Rich medical & pharmacy benefits
- 100% employer-paid dental and vision benefits
- Holistic wellbeing program with deep financial incentives
- Generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and your birthday off
- Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program
- Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child, elder & pet care assistance
- Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities
- Employee discount program
Fair Chance Ordinances and Criminal Background Considerations This position requires that the applicant undergo a background check. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state or local laws, including, but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinanc