Manager Dental Benefits and Third-Party Payer Issues

American Dental Association; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 81,159 - 101,448; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Promotes Work/Life Balance

Hybrid Work Schedule

Ample Paid time off

401(k)

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Pet Insurance

Student Loan Refinance

Job summary

The American Dental Association is hiring a Manager for Dental Benefits and Third-Party Payer Issues in Chicago. This role involves operational leadership for dental benefit programs and requires a minimum of 5 years experience in the dental industry or 9 years without a degree.

Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and analytical skills. Benefits include a hybrid work model, generous paid time off, and opportunities for community service involvement.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in the dental industry or 9 years in lieu of a degree.
• 3 years of program management or operations experience.
• Knowledge of claim adjudication processes.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational leadership for ADA’s Council on Dental Benefit Programs.
• Oversees dental benefits and third-party payer initiatives.
• Manages public and professional volunteer committees.

Skills

Verbal communication

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Results-focused

Education

Bachelor's degree or experience in lieu of degree

Tools

M365 (MS Office)

Job description

Manager Dental Benefits and Third-Party Payer Issues

Posted on June 26, 2026

Location: Chicago Office, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

• Pay or shift range: $81,159 USD to $101,448.75 USD. Starting offer is based on candidate's relevant experience and qualifications as well as market and business considerations.
• Professional Affairs
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: MANAG001869

Description

Who We Are: It all starts with purpose.

We are a purpose-driven nonprofit with a dynamic staff culture.

With a meaningful purpose, motivated staff, and excellent benefits, working here will definitely have you smiling! The ADA’s headquarters is located just steps from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and close to public transportation. With more than 400 colleagues, the ADA Staff are some of the most talented people in the Chicago, Washington D.C., and Maryland area.

Job Responsibilities:

The Manager of Dental Benefits and Third-Party Payer Issues provides operational leadership for the ADA’s Council on Dental Benefit Programs. The role oversees all aspects of the Association’s dental benefits and third-party payer initiatives, including Council and program operations, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. It provides staff support for public and professional volunteer committees and oversees third-tier member service functions related to the Third-Party Payer Concierge Service.

Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree or experience in lieu of degree
• 5 years of experience (or 9 years in lieu of a degree) in the dental industry
• 3 years of program management or operations
• Experience engaging with external organizations or payers to resolve issues
• Experience in healthcare, managed care, or insurance industry including direct experience in dental benefits administration
• Knowledge of claim adjudication processes, coordination of benefits, down coding, bundling, and non-covered services policies
• Familiarity with provider network contracting, fee schedules, utilization management, and prior authorization practices
• Must have verbal communication, writing, analytical, facilitation, collaboration, presentation, a self-starter, results-focused skills
• Proficiency in M365 (MS Office)
• Travel twice per year, 1-3 nights per trip for attendance at CDBP or ADA meetings, industry conferences/events such as AADC, or other meetings as assigned
• Position may require before or after hours work and/or may require weekend work

Nice to Have:

• American Association of Dental Consultants (AADC) Certification or Dental Coding or Reimbursement Certification (e.g. Dental Coding Consultant or Dental Benefit Specialist)
• Certification in health or dental benefits administration, such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Health Insurance Associate (HIA)

Just a few of the benefits offered to employees:

• Promotes Work/Life Balance
• Hybrid Work Schedule (2-3 days from home)
• Ample Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Student Loan Refinance
• 2 days off to work at a charity event of your choice

The ADA values a variety of backgrounds and experiences and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified job candidates. The ADA is an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in open positions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status or any other characteristic.

The American Dental Association is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.