Dr. Murphy attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota and continued his education at Loyola University Dental School in Chicago, Illinois. After graduation from Loyola, he joined the U.S. Army. As a Captain, he was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division, Mannheim, Germany. He worked in the clinic as well at the field medical facility and, while there, he earned the Expert Field Infantry Badge. He also traveled Europe, was infected by the 'ski' bug and learned to ski the Alps of Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

After serving in the army, Dr. Murphy enjoyed a General Practice here in Glen Ellyn with Dr. John Clancy. They worked together for five years until Dr. Murphy had the opportunity to study Orthodontics at the University of Detroit in swinging downtown Detroit, Michigan. He was granted a Master of Science degree as well as a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics.

Orthodontics was a way of life in Glen Ellyn for Dr. Murphy at several locations. The present office building originally was a practice of a pioneer in orthodontics; Dr. Karl Von Der Height. Dr. Murphy first remodeled the office in 1985 and the office was completely reconstructed in 2001/2002.

Continuing education is a passion for Dr. Murphy. After about fifteen years in practice, he elected to take a two-and-a-half year review program with Dr. Ronald Roth at the Institute for Quality Orthodontics in San Mateo, California. This program reviewed orthodontia as a whole and focused on a "Tempro-Mandibular Joint (jaw joint) Centered Diagnosis". The Institute program forms the basis of Dr. Murphy's present treatment modalities. He believes this treatment program offers the most technologically advanced, most expedient, stable, and easiest treatment for his patients. There is still a commitment to continuing education and Dr. Murphy and the staff attend classes on a regular basis.

Taking computer classes at the College of DuPage has been an ongoing interest for the last several years for Dr. Murphy. The younger generation is very technically advanced and he does not want to be left behind! Thus, he obtained certificates of proficiency in the Microsoft programs of: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Web Design and Access. Since Dr. Murphy anticipates practicing for a good number of years, he wants to be on the cutting edge of orthodontic and computer technology for the practice.

Dr. Murphy's personal interests include downhill skiing, hiking, biking, photography, physical conditioning and traveling. He has enjoyed the privilege of exploring multiple countries, Ireland is his favorite. Yet he never tires of the beauty within the USA, particularly the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. He and his wife, Kathy, enjoy sharing these interests with their four children: Brian, Kathleen, Sean and Megan.

Of the four children only Kathleen has chosen to pursue a dental career. She is a General Dentist in Denver, Colorado. Brian is currently working as a dispatcher for a local cab company. Sean is recently married and expecting Dr. and Mrs. Murphy’s first grandchild. Megan is leaving the nest to continue a training program at National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois.

Dr. Murphy feels great fulfillment when he contributes more than smiles to the community. Throughout the community, he has donated bronze statues of children riding bicycles, reading books atop a park bench and a few others. Many passersby have stopped in to thank Dr. Murphy for his continued support of the community. The first statue purchased by Dr. Murphy remains the landmark of his practice; a young boy walking his bicycle, located right in front of the office.

Dr. Murphy loves being an orthodontist and the joy of creating smiling faces. One of his greatest joys is seeing the patients mature into healthy, lively contributors to society. His patients create great satisfaction to him thus retirement is not within his plans. Eventually, Dr. Murphy hopes to welcome a younger orthodontist into the practice to create a partnership. Until that ideal partner is discovered, Dr. Murphy is completely content to be a solo practitioner.