Medicaid Dental Policy Specialist

Salary : $63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-01218
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Medicaid
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact:

Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Medicaid Dental Policy Specialist within the Division of Medicaid. This highly visible position provides leadership and oversight for Iowa Medicaid's dental policy programs, including the Dental Wellness Plan, Dental Wellness Plan-Kids, Hawk-I Dental, and Fee-for-Service (FFS) dental services.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring Iowa Medicaid dental policies are aligned with federal and state requirements while advancing access to quality dental care for Iowans. The successful candidate will serve as the department's primary subject matter expert on dental policy and collaborate with federal partners, managed care organizations, providers, stakeholders, and agency leadership to develop innovative solutions that improve outcomes and strengthen Iowa's Medicaid dental programs.

Location: Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What You'll Do

As the Medicaid Dental Policy Specialist, you will:

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of Medicaid dental policies and programs.
• Establish and maintain policies defining covered services, provider eligibility and qualifications, reimbursement methodologies, and program requirements.
• Serve as the agency's subject matter expert on Medicaid dental policy and provide guidance to leadership, stakeholders, and program staff.
• Develop and implement State Plan Amendments (SPAs), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) waivers, administrative rules, provider manuals, and policy guidance.
• Draft and revise administrative rules, provider communications, and policy documents to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Analyze proposed federal and state policy changes and recommend program improvements.
• Review and provide recommendations regarding managed care dental contract requirements, performance measures, and quality initiatives.
• Represent Iowa Medicaid in meetings with providers, managed care organizations, professional associations, state and federal agencies, legislative staff, and community stakeholders.
• Develop reports, analyses, and recommendations to support executive decision-making and legislative inquiries.
• Research national trends and best practices in Medicaid dental care and recommend innovative strategies to improve access, quality, and outcomes.
• Participate in actuarial discussions and evaluate the impact of reimbursement and rate adjustments on dental services.
• Develop presentations, training materials, and educational resources related to dental policy updates and program changes.
• Assist in confidential policy and strategic planning activities related to Medicaid program operations and healthcare delivery.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of Medicaid policy, healthcare policy, dental services, managed care, or public health programs.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state regulations, policies, and program requirements.
• Strong analytical, research, policy development, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing administrative rules, policy documents, reports, or program guidance.
• Ability to communicate complex policy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience collaborating with providers, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Strong project management, organizational, and strategic planning abilities.
• Ability to evaluate complex issues, identify solutions, and implement effective policy changes.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations.
2. All of the following (a and b):
   1. Three years of full-time work experience in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations; and
   2. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
3. All of the following (a, b, and c):
   1. One year of full-time work experience in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations; and
   2. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and
   3. A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business administration, industrial management, statistics, natural science, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.
4. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as a Management Analyst 2 or two and a half years as a Management Analyst 1.