Meet the Team at Hickory Ridge Dental

Dr. Alec Dancy

Dentist and Practice Owner

Dr. Alec Dancy brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to dentistry at Hickory Ridge Dental. He believes that great dental care goes beyond treating teeth—it’s about building lasting connections with patients and helping them feel genuinely cared for each time they visit.

Dr. Dancy earned his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 2011 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry in 2016. He then completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, gaining advanced experience in comprehensive and hospital-based dentistry.

After several years in private practice in Pasadena and Severna Park, Dr. Dancy met Dr. Graybeal in 2025. Their shared philosophy of patient-centered care led to a partnership that culminated in Dr. Dancy’s purchase of the practice later that year. As the owner of Hickory Ridge Dental, he values the opportunity to provide personalized care in a warm, community-focused environment.

Outside the office, Dr. Dancy enjoys biking and is training for a century ride. He and his family love spending time outdoors, exploring national parks across the country; their favorites so far are Glacier National Park and Grand Teton National Park. When he’s not out in nature, you’ll likely find him building Lego creations with his kids, though he jokes that the small pieces are tough on his hands!

Susan

Dental Hygienist

Susan is a dedicated dental hygienist at Hickory Ridge Dental with a passion for patient care and education. Since earning her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1987 and her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1988 from West Liberty University in West Virginia, Susan has brought compassion, professionalism, and a wealth of experience to the dental field.

Her primary responsibilities include taking radiographs, performing oral cancer screenings and dental cleanings, and providing essential oral hygiene instruction to patients. One of Susan’s favorite aspects of her work is seeing patients take charge of their oral health, especially when they return excited to share their progress after implementing better brushing and flossing habits.

Susan joined the dental field after exploring various areas of healthcare and discovering her passion for dental hygiene. She’s been with Hickory Ridge Dental for several years and values the supportive, professional team environment that makes each day rewarding.

Outside the office, Susan enjoys arts and crafts, with a special interest in diamond art painting. Her unique passions include being a licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, and sound healer. And for a fun fact: Susan has a serious love for chocolate and cheeseburgers!

Natalie

Dental Hygienist

Natalie joined Hickory Ridge Dental in November 2023 and brings over two decades of experience as a dental hygienist. A graduate of the University of Michigan’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, Natalie began her career in 2000 and has been passionate about promoting oral health ever since.

Known for her amiable demeanor and dedication to easing patient anxiety, Natalie takes pride in providing thorough preventative care and contributing to the smooth daily flow of the practice. She finds genuine satisfaction in removing calculus, plaque, and biofilm, helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. Beyond her clinical skills, Natalie values the relationships she builds with patients and teammates alike, considering her colleagues both coworkers and friends.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys walking, biking, baking, puzzling, listening to audiobooks or music, volunteering in her community, and traveling. A creative at heart, she also loves quilting, a tradition passed down from her mother, turning fabrics and old t-shirts into meaningful keepsakes.

Fun fact: Natalie has moved 19 times throughout her life! She hopes Maryland will finally be the place where she sets a new record for staying put.

Julianna

Dental Assistant

Julianna has been a dedicated dental assistant at Hickory Ridge Dental since 2012, following her passion for healthcare after her youngest child started school. She began her career in dentistry in 1994 after discovering a dental office nearby and realizing it was her calling.

She completed her dental assistant and radiology courses at the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA) and assists Dr. Alec Dancy in a variety of procedures. Julianna ensures treatment rooms are clean, sets up trays for smooth operations, and supports her team by answering phones and scheduling appointments. She truly values building personal relationships with patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and have a positive experience.

In her spare time, Julianna enjoys decorating for the seasons, traveling, and listening to audiobooks. She loves creating home decorations and enjoys spending time with her two Golden Doodles, Leroy and Daisy.

With her extensive experience and warm approach, Julianna contributes significantly to the positive atmosphere at Hickory Ridge Dental.

Kelly

Practice Administrator

Kelly has been a valued practice administrator at Hickory Ridge Dental since 2022, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience in dental office management and patient care.  She first joined the dental field in 1986, drawn to the opportunity to combine her love of helping people with her talent for organization and leadership. Kelly's professionalism, deep knowledge of insurance processes, and genuine care for both patients and staff make her an invaluable member of the team. 

As practice administrator, Kelly manages the day-to-day operations of the office, from scheduling and insurance coordination to financial management and team/patient support. Her attention to detail and ability to multitask keep the practice running smoothly and help ensure patients always receive exceptional service. 

When she's not in the office, Kelly enjoys practicing wellness, travel, history, and spending time with her family and pup, Penny.  

Brandy

Dental Assistant/Front Desk

Brandy has been part of the dental field since 1999 and brings more than two decades of experience to her role at Hickory Ridge Dental. She assists Dr. Dancy with patient procedures, sterilizes instruments, prepares rooms for each visit, exposes dental x-rays, and helps at the front desk with scheduling and patient check-outs.

Brandy began learning dentistry at just sixteen years old through on-the-job training inspired by her mother, who also worked in the profession. She loves forming lasting bonds with patients and helping them feel comfortable and cared for throughout their visits. She also values working with a supportive team that shares her commitment to patient comfort and high-quality care.

Outside the office, Brandy enjoys playing cornhole, reading, working puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. A fun fact many don’t know—she was once a competitive baton twirler!