Dr. Sam Purnell grew up outside of Columbia in Ballentine, South Carolina. He attended Chapin Elementary, Chapin Middle and Chapin High School before finishing his high school career at Ben Lippen School. In addition to being a dedicated runner, leading Ben Lippen to two state cross-country championships, Dr. Purnell was very involved in and enormously shaped by the Faith Presbyterian Church community.
Following high school, Dr. Purnell attended Clemson University graduating with highest academic honors, Suma Cum Laude. While at Clemson Dr. Purnell was involved in Reformed University Fellowship and volunteered for three years as a Young Life leader for middle schoolers. Dr. Purnell started out majoring in Landscape Architecture to compliment his love of the outdoors, art, and design. God had other plans and Sam was soon drawn towards dentistry and the service it could provide locally and in foreign missions.
Dr. Purnell was accepted into the Medical University of South Carolinas College of Dental Medicine. It was during dental school Dr. Purnell realized his passion for Orthodontics. He excelled in dental school graduating at the top of his Class. Dr. Purnell was accepted into the University of Alabama at Birminghams highly competitive three year Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics residency where he received his Masters in Dentistry and Certificate in Orthodontics.
Dr. Purnell is married to the beautiful Katie Tyler Purnell, an internationally published photographer. They have a daughter, Pepper, and two sons, Shepard and Yates. Dr. Purnell loves cooking, art, gardening, and running. Most of all, the Purnells enjoy spending time in their community. Whether paddling down the Saluda River, going to Soda City farmers market, or biking the trails at Harbison, Dr. Purnell is wild about Lexington and Greater Columbia. The Purnell family are members of a small church plant, Columbia Presbyterian Church. He cant wait to meet you and hear your story.
Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth but did you know it does so much more? Whether using braces or Invisalign, the goal of orthodontics is a beautiful smile, and equally important a healthy bite. You can look forward to the confidence treatment will provide. Dr. Purnell uses state of the art digital imaging and a thorough examination to tailor treatment for you. Our approach takes into account your facial appearance and how we can improve it by moving your teeth, or modifying growth in childhood and adolescence. When teeth are properly positioned they are easier to clean, jaw function and chewing is at its best, and the muscles and joints work how the body intended. So what is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dentist who specialized in treating dental and facial irregularities such as crowded teeth. An orthodontist is required to complete a two or three year residency after dental school where they receive advanced training on how to properly diagnose, prevent, and treat a malocclusion (aka, bad bite!). We help our patients by treating the teeth, jaws, and by altering growth. There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment
Your story is important to us. Dr. Purnell caters to your lifestyle to create the beautiful smile you have been waiting for. Dr. Purnell utilizes his rigorous training as a specialist in orthodontics to create a smile using the most comfortable, state of the art techniques and equipment. He works closely with your dentist and provides a treatment that is customized for you. Your treatment revolves around your overall facial harmony and a healthy bite. Dr. Purnell takes his time to get to know you so that your orthodontic experience will be a glowing part of your story.
I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. Purnell and his team! From the moment you walk in the door you already feel apart of their family! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a million dollar smile! I could not be happier with my results and truly grateful for all of you!