Meet Drs. Hurley and Volk
From Our Family to Yours
Our husband and wife team of Dr. Ryan Hurley and Dr. Tonya Volk are from very different backgrounds. Dr. Hurley grew up in suburban Elgin, IL and Dr. Volk grew up on a farm in Battle Creek, NE. 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 in both of their lives is prevalent.
Meet Ryan Hurley, DDS
“For someone who likes to see people happy, there is not a better feeling than showing before pictures to a patient who just concluded with treatment and seeing a beaming and beautiful smile in return. Orthodontics is a fast changing field and I find it exciting to evaluate the newest treatment possibilities and systems and see how we can incorporate them into our practice to improve our patient experiences. We want our patients smiling, not just when the braces come off, but from the first time our patients come to the office to their last retention check.”
Education and Experience
Dr. Hurley is a third generation dental practitioner. After graduating from Elgin Academy, he attended the University of Notre Dame where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 2002. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Dr. Hurley was then accepted into the three year orthodontic residency program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He graduated with a Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences and his Certificate of Orthodontics.
During dental school, Dr. Hurley received numerous awards and honors including:
- The American Institute of Orthodontic Research Award for exceptional interest in Orthodontic Research
- The Dr. Gerson Gould Memorial Scholarship Award in honor of Academic Excellence
- The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award for Outstanding Performance
- The Delta Sigma Delta Supreme Chapter Award for Highest Academic Achievement
- The Academy of Dental Materials Award for Excellence in Scholarship
- The Dr. William Stroner Scholarship and Award for Character and Excellence
- The University of Illinois Research Scholar - Tuition Waiver
- Induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, Sigma Chapter for Academic Achievement and Leadership
Dr. Hurley 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.
Outside the Office
In September of 2009, Dr. Hurley climbed Mount Katahdin in Maine to become a member of an elite group to hike all 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The extraordinary journey took him 158 days. To give his hike more meaning, Dr. Hurley initiated our “Miles for Smiles” campaign to give back to the community. This campaign provided 21 patients in need with complimentary orthodontic care, one for every hundred miles hiked.
When away from the office, Dr. Hurley spends his time with his wife, Dr. Tonya Volk, playing golf, and agonizing over Notre Dame Football.
Tonya Volk, DDS
“I first became passionate about orthodontics after having braces myself. I saw first hand how a great smile has a huge impact on one’s self-esteem. My favorite thing about coming into our practice is seeing how happy patients are when their braces are removed and their new beautiful smiles are revealed! I also enjoy seeing how once fearful patients look forward to jumping in the chair and telling us how their day went.”
Education and Experience
Dr. Volk attended dental school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Volk was selected as a Regent Scholar for her high academic achievement, which provided her 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.
Dr. Volk then attended the three year orthodontic residency program at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received her Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences and her Certificate of Orthodontics.
After graduation from her orthodontic residency, Dr. Volk was invited to teach as a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago Orthodontic Department. She also became the first orthodontist in the nation to digitally submit all cases to become certified by the American Board of Orthodontists.
Dr. Volk is a published researcher in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Her research has also been presented at past American Association of Orthodontics general assembly meetings.
Outside the Office
In her free time, Dr. Volk enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Hurley, and their family and friends. She also enjoys playing recreational sports including basketball, volleyball, and softball. In high school, Dr. Volk ranked ninth 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!
Dr. Volk is involved in giving back to her community and is a member of the Elgin Junior Service Board. This organization aims to enhance and support health, education, and well being of women and children in Elgin and the surrounding communities.
Our Doctors: Continuing in Excellence
Drs. Hurley and Volk attend as many continuing education meetings as they can fit in their schedules. They take pride in keeping up-to-date with current orthodontic literature in order to give patients the best treatment possible with the most technologically efficient systems and appliances.
After completing their residency training, Drs. Hurley and Volk became certified by the American Board of Orthodontics after successfully presenting past treated cases to the board and passing written and oral examinations. A select minority of orthodontists complete these voluntary steps of board certification.
In addition, Drs. Hurley and Volk are members of the following professional organizations:
- American Board of Orthodontists
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Society
- Chicago Dental Society
- Fox River Valley Dental Society
- Elgin Area Dental Study Club (Dr. Volk current President, Dr. Hurley immediate past President)
- Schaumburg Business Association
- Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce