Meet Our Founders: Dr. Hurley and Dr. Volk

Our practice was founded in 2010 by the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Ryan Hurley and Dr. Tonya Volk

Meet The Founders

Midwesterners from birth, Dr. H grew up in Elgin, Illinois as a “suburban kid” and Dr. V grew up as a “farm girl” in Battle Creek, Nebraska. The two met in their orthodontic residency program at the University of Illinois at Chicago where they realized they had more in common than just their orthodontic philosophies.

“Despite growing up so differently, the importance of family and making a genuine connection with the people in both of our lives is prevalent. We share a vision for our practice that is as much about creating the healthiest and most beautiful smiles, as it is our desire to create an environment that gives our patients, team members, and community a reason to smile. We do this by viewing our practice, our team, and our patients as a part of our family. To us, our practice is more than just our work—it is our shared passion, and we are grateful to all of our families for letting us become a part of their lives.”

Dr. Ryan Hurley

Dr. Ryan Hurley is a third-generation dental practitioner and feels privileged to help make his hometown smile.

After graduating from Elgin Academy, Dr. Hurley attended the University of Notre Dame where he received his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. He went on to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dentistry (BSD), Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS), Master of Science degree (MS), as well as a certificate in orthodontics. Then, Dr. H went back to Notre Dame to receive his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2022.

In addition to being a proud academic and practicing orthodontist, Dr. H is a published researcher of dental materials with articles in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, the Journal of Dentistry, and the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.

This same spirit of exploration shows up outside of the office in Dr. H’s varied interests. Before beginning our practice, he hiked all 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail in a journey that took him 158 days. To give his hike more meaning, Dr. Hurley initiated our “Miles for Smiles” campaign which provided complimentary orthodontic care to 21 patients in need—one for every hundred miles hiked.

When away from the office, Dr. Hurley also serves as the Clinical Director of Business Development for our practice partner organization, Smile Doctors. He spends his free time with his wife, Dr. Volk, children Joslyn and Eyla, and agonizing over Notre Dame football.

Dr. Tonya Volk

Dr. Tonya Volk graduated high school ranked #9 all-time in scoring for Nebraska girls’ basketball. In college, Dr. Volk was both a Division II All-American and Academic All-American in basketball.

She attended dental school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, where she was selected as a Regent Scholar for her high academic achievement and received a full-tuition scholarship. She also became a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, one of the highest honors granted to the nation’s dental students.

After graduation from her orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Volk was invited to teach as a clinical instructor with their orthodontic department.

Dr. Volk is a published researcher in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. When away from the office, she also serves as the Clinical Director of Operation for our practice partner organization, Smile Doctors.

In her free time, Dr. Volk enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys all things outdoors, playing recreational sports, and watching her daughters engaged in their favorite activity…dance! Dr. Volk is currently continuing her education by pursuing a Master of Arts in religion.