DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
4000 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Salary: $130,000.000 to $155,000.00 

Grade: 1

Closing Date: August 13, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Public Health - Dental Director. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member-driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Provides oversight of dental services. Oversees the key performance metrics, policies, procedures, workflows, training, and auditing. Monitors and evaluates to ensure services meet professional and agency standards. Works closely with the Maternal Child Health (MCH) and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) coordinators to submit deliverables related to dental and oversees the subcontracted health plans and operational reviews. 
• Provide clinical expertise in dental policy interpretation and communicate changes in AHCCCS policy, ADA codes and standards of care to members, subcontractor dental directors, dental vendors and providers. Attends and participates in all AHCCCS dental director meetings.  
• Leading and coordinating the dental activities the Division oversees, including review and denial of dental services, provider consultation, utilization review, and participation in tracking/trending of Quality of Concern (QOC) concerns related to dental services. Provides dental oversight and clinical guidance regarding appropriateness and medical necessity of dental care services to members, subcontractor dental directors, dental vendors and providers. 
• Oversees the Tribal Health Program and with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) develops and implements key initiatives. Oversees the key performance metrics, policies, procedures, workflows, training, and auditing. Monitors and evaluates to ensure services meet professional and agency standards. Works closely with the tribal health nurse and tribal health coordinator to strengthen the program for our members with developmental disabilities. 
• Provides leadership, mentoring, coaching and direct supervision of Tribal Health Program (THP) staff and supports their ability to improve care for members with I/DD. Supports their individual roles/ responsibilities under the AHCCCS contract and supports their growth and development. Completes Performance Appraisals, authorizes leave, and approves employee timecards. Holds huddles,1:1s. 
• Evaluates existing services and practices and identifies opportunities for improvement. Explores new approaches to work processes by utilizing continuous process improvement techniques to eliminate waste and ensure resources are allocated to high-value activities. Leads on special projec