Dr. Hurt was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, he joined the United States Air Force and served three years as a Captain at Langley Air Force Base before moving back to East Tennessee. He then practiced general dentistry an additional six years before deciding to specialize in orthodontics. He attended the University of Texas Health Science Center, in Houston, for his post-doctoral orthodontic training and residency.

He is certified by the Tennessee State Board in orthodontics, a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, a member of the Southern Association of Orthodontics, and served as past president for the Anderson County Dental Society. He regularly attends continuing education courses in orthodontics and stays abreast of the current research and information that is available in his field.

Along with his 31 year full time civilian orthodontic and dental career, Dr. Hurt is a retired Colonel of the United States Army National Guard. He served in all capacities as a General Dentist in the Dental Corps; including being Chief Dental Officer of Camp Caldwell during his deployment to Iraq in 2005. He retired from the Army as a full Colonel in 2011.

Dr. Hurt has been married to his wonderful wife, Lisa, for 38 years. He has three daughters, three son in laws, and six grandchildren whom he adores that all live in the Oak Ridge area. In his spare time, he is an avid fisherman, loves to spend time with his family, is one of the announcers for the Oak Ridge High School football games, and is always eager to participate in a basketball or football pick-up game.