diff --git a/dialog/internal/_dialog.scss b/dialog/internal/_dialog.scss
index ccab43831c..2c57077cff 100644
--- a/dialog/internal/_dialog.scss
+++ b/dialog/internal/_dialog.scss
@@ -189,7 +189,10 @@
     flex: 1;
     flex-direction: column;
     overflow: hidden;
-    z-index: 0; // needed to display scrollbars on Chrome linux
+    // needed to display scrollbars on Chrome linux. Also needs to be > 0 so
+    // that content that is position: fixed in the content can render above the
+    // actions bar. e.g. <md-select menu-fixed>
+    z-index: 1;
   }
 
   .scrollable .scroller {