Hickory Ridge Dental. Dr. Alec Dancy, DDS

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Hickory Ridge Dental. Dr. Alec Dancy, DDS When patients are part of our Family Dentistry Team, they are part of our family. We treat everyone Dr. Alec S.

At Dr. Dancy's Family Dentistry, you and your family will always receive quality dental care in a welcoming and friendly environment. Dr. Dancy will be here to take care of your dental needs for many years to come. We value family and the importance of maintaining and restoring health. Dancy is a native of Northern Virginia and Maryland, having resided for over 10 years in Baltimore City. Dr. Dancy attended Johns Hopkins University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. During his senior year at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Dancy was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, which recognizes academically distinguished students at universities across the United States. More importantly, however, while at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Dancy met his future wife, Jimena. Upon graduation from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Dancy would matriculate at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry, earning his doctor of dental surgery degree. Following dental school, Dr. Dancy elected to complete a 1-year general practice residency at Christiana Care, located in Wilmington, Delaware, to further develop his technical and professional skills in all aspects of dentistry, medicine, and patient care. Dr. Dancy has keen interests in endodontics, prosthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry.. Outside of the office, Dr. Dancy and his wife enjoy traveling and all types of outdoor activities and sports. Dr. Dancy and his wife are proud new parents of three young sons.

Happy Boss’s Day to our awesome boss, Dr. Dancy! 🦷
10/17/2026

Happy Boss’s Day to our awesome boss, Dr. Dancy! 🦷

Brushing harder doesn't mean cleaner teeth. It can damage the very tissues you're trying to protect. Excessive brushing ...
10/15/2026

Brushing harder doesn't mean cleaner teeth. It can damage the very tissues you're trying to protect.

Excessive brushing pressure, particularly when combined with abrasive toothpaste or aggressive scrubbing, can contribute to tooth surface wear and gum trauma. Over time, this may contribute to gum recession, although recession has multiple causes and cannot be attributed to brushing alone.

When gums recede, the root surface becomes exposed. Unlike the crown, the root is covered by a thin layer of cementum rather than enamel. This surface can wear away, exposing the underlying dentin and increasing the risk of sensitivity to hot, cold, and touch. Exposed roots are also more vulnerable to root cavities.

The solution? Brush smarter, not harder.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Apply gentle pressure with controlled movements.
• Avoid forceful horizontal scrubbing along the gumline.
• Consider a powered toothbrush with a pressure sensor.

Lost tooth structure does not regenerate naturally, and receded gum tissue does not simply grow back on its own. Prevention matters.

Effective brushing is about removing plaque thoroughly—not applying maximum force.

Using teeth as tools may seem harmless—but it can cause permanent damage in seconds.Many people use their teeth to open ...
10/01/2026

Using teeth as tools may seem harmless—but it can cause permanent damage in seconds.

Many people use their teeth to open bottles, tear packages, crack nuts, hold objects, or bite hard materials. While teeth are designed to withstand the forces of chewing food, they were never meant to replace tools.

These habits place intense, uneven stress on the enamel and underlying tooth structure. Over time, that stress can create microscopic cracks that may grow larger with repeated use. In some cases, a single forceful bite is enough to chip, fracture, or even split a tooth.

The consequences can range from tooth sensitivity and pain while chewing to infections, root canal treatment, crowns, or tooth loss. Unlike bones, tooth enamel cannot regenerate once it is damaged.

Dental professionals often see preventable injuries caused by everyday habits that people rarely consider risky. What feels convenient for a few seconds can result in extensive treatment later.

Teeth have one job: chewing food. Everything else belongs to the toolbox.

After working in dentistry for years, one thing I really wish more people knew…You don’t have to be embarrassed about yo...
09/27/2026

After working in dentistry for years, one thing I really wish more people knew…

You don’t have to be embarrassed about your teeth when you walk into a dental office.

We’ve seen it all.

We know life happens. Finances get tight. Dental anxiety is real. Sometimes people simply haven’t been able to prioritize their dental health.

Our job isn’t to judge you for how long it’s been or what you may be struggling with.

Our job is to meet you where you are and help you take the next step.

You don’t have to have perfect teeth to deserve good dental care.

And you don’t have to be ashamed to ask for help.

Your dental office should be a place where you feel cared for, not judged.

Call today to schedule an appointment: 410-997-9494

Missing teeth can change the shape of your face.Most people think losing a tooth only leaves a gap in their smile. But t...
09/16/2026

Missing teeth can change the shape of your face.

Most people think losing a tooth only leaves a gap in their smile. But the changes don't stop there. Beneath the gums, the jawbone that once supported the tooth begins to shrink when it no longer receives the stimulation created by chewing.

Every time you bite and chew, forces travel through the tooth roots into the surrounding bone, helping maintain its strength and volume. When a tooth is lost, that natural stimulation disappears, and the body gradually starts resorbing the unused bone.

As bone loss progresses, the lower face can lose structural support. This may contribute to thinner-looking lips, a more sunken appearance around the mouth, deeper facial folds, changes in jawline contours, and an older-looking facial profile over time.

The image illustrates how continued tooth and bone loss can affect both the jawbone and the appearance of the face. While these changes occur gradually, they can become significant when missing teeth remain untreated for many years.

This is one reason dentists often recommend replacing missing teeth with appropriate treatment options. Preserving natural teeth whenever possible—and replacing them when necessary—helps maintain the bone that supports both oral function and facial structure.

Your teeth do more than help you chew and speak. They help preserve the foundation of your face.

You don’t want a sad tooth that can lead to bigger problems? Call today to get that sad tooth fixed. 410-997-9494
09/03/2026

You don’t want a sad tooth that can lead to bigger problems? Call today to get that sad tooth fixed. 410-997-9494

What you're looking at is a cross-section of a human tooth — one of nature's most remarkable engineering achievements.Th...
09/01/2026

What you're looking at is a cross-section of a human tooth — one of nature's most remarkable engineering achievements.

The outermost layer, enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body. Composed of about 96% mineral, it protects the tooth from daily wear, chewing forces, and acidic challenges.

Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a living tissue filled with thousands of microscopic tubules. These tiny channels transmit sensations such as heat, cold, and pain toward the center of the tooth.

At the core is the pulp — a living chamber containing blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth and keep it responsive throughout life.

The tooth is anchored to the jaw by its root, covered by cementum and connected to the surrounding bone through the periodontal ligament, a specialized tissue that acts like a shock absorber during chewing.

Strong as stone, yet alive and sensitive, every tooth is a masterpiece of biological design. Beyond helping us eat, teeth support speech, facial structure, and overall quality of life.

Common Bite Problems Every Parent Should KnowBite problems often begin during childhood and may affect chewing, speech, ...
08/23/2026

Common Bite Problems Every Parent Should Know

Bite problems often begin during childhood and may affect chewing, speech, oral hygiene, jaw growth, and long-term dental health. Identifying them early can make future treatment simpler and more effective.

🦷 Crowding – Not enough space in the jaw causes teeth to overlap, rotate, or erupt out of position.

🦷 Excessive Spacing – Large gaps between teeth may occur due to jaw size differences, missing teeth, or naturally small teeth.

🦷 Underbite – The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, potentially affecting chewing, tooth wear, and facial growth.

🦷 Open Bite – The upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed. Thumb sucking and tongue-thrust habits are common contributing factors.

🦷 Deep Bite – The upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth, which can increase tooth wear and place extra stress on the jaw.

🦷 Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them, which may affect normal jaw development.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early assessment doesn't always mean treatment is needed, but it can help identify developing problems while a child is still growing.

Early detection can help prevent small bite problems from becoming bigger orthodontic concerns later in life.

Debate Time 🦷👀Unpopular opinion: There is no “most important” position in a dental office.The dentist can’t do it all.Th...
08/22/2026

Debate Time 🦷👀

Unpopular opinion: There is no “most important” position in a dental office.

The dentist can’t do it all.
The hygienist can’t do it all.
The dental assistant can’t do it all.
The front desk can’t do it all.

And yet, sometimes there’s this weird competition over who works harder, who matters more, or whose job is “easier.” 🤷‍♀️

The truth? Every position carries a different responsibility—and every position is necessary.

- Dentist — diagnosis, treatment & leadership
- Hygienist — prevention & patient education
- Dental Assistant — clinical support, patient care & keeping the back office moving
- Front Office — scheduling, insurance, finances & keeping the entire practice running

A great dental office isn’t built around one position. It’s built around a team.



My work family is THE BEST! Thank you Dr. Dancy and staff for making me feel special today.
08/03/2026

My work family is THE BEST! Thank you Dr. Dancy and staff for making me feel special today.

Address

10778 Hickory Ridge Road
Columbia, MD
21044

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14109979494

Website

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