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!
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 89 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMegan Tolar
a year ago
Had a great experience! Very welcoming staff. Prior Ortho work in another city and he/his team was gracious enough to work me in to get my problem fixed Asap.
Tabby Trapp
2 years ago
The office and staff are amazing! I wouldn't have wanted to go to another place.
Miss Slim
2 years ago
I love Brittany she treats everyone like they are somebody special. I love this place. I'll see you on June 23 at 3:45 THANK YOU
Tayla Walker
2 years ago
I absolutely adore everyone at Purnell!!! I can't say enough good things about them. My new smile is fabulous too :)
craig haywood
2 years ago
Dr. Purnell is the best around & his staff is Awesome!!!! If I could give them 10 stars I would!
Robert Whitworth
2 years ago
Absolutely the best dental practice I have visited. From entering to leaving it was exceptional. All of the staff is friendly, personable and professional. I have been visiting dentists for years and this was, by far, the best! My 13 year old was very hesitant about braces. Not anymore, thanks to Dr. Purnell and his staff. Thank you for showing me what GREAT looks like!
David Olsen
2 years ago
Friendly staff, efficient process, skilled provider.
Magical "T-13576" Mango
2 years ago
I have had a fantastic experience at Purnell Orthodontics over the course of my year long Invisalign treatment. The staff at Purnell's are very welcoming, warm, polite, and kind and the execution of the treatment I received was excellent to say the least. My teeth are extremely straight and healthy as a result of their resources and facilities. Dr. Purnell is phenomenal, kind, and very keen on getting the best result from your treatment! He also has a great taste in music (in my opinion)! I highly recommend anyone who is considering getting braces or Invisalign to highly consider Purnell Orthodontics for receiving their treatment!
Lisa Wascha
2 years ago
Dr Purnell is great at what he does! I had Invisalign for one year. His staff is efficient, kind, hard working and informative. The office runs smoothly and on time. I never had to wait more than 5 minutes for my appointment. They keep a tight schedule and they all work well together. If you or your child are thinking about braces or Invisalign, I highly recommend Dr Sam Purnell. You will not be disappointed, your smile is the first thing people see, and you're worth it!
Michael Raines
2 years ago
The staff is great and the treatment went better than I expected. Great experience and a satisfied Invisalign customer.
Holly Broome
2 years ago
We had our free consultation for my son and had a great experience. All of the staff were very friendly. The waiting area is comfortable and they have a game room for the kids. Dr. Purnell gave us an honest opinion and we look forward to using them for years to come. UPDATE - 5/2021 - 5 STARS :) Our son just had his braces removed and he couldn't be happier! We love Purnell Ortho!!
Karen Phillips
2 years ago
GREAT, WONDERFUL, BEST DECISION I EVER MADE IN MY 60'S!!!! Jessica is the bomb! Dr. Purnell is AWESOME! The whole staff is phenomenal. I would cringe at the dentist. No issues with them. Going to miss them. I graduate today! Thank u guys for my new smile.
Jonathon D
2 years ago
Great!
Ashleigh McRae
2 years ago
We had a great experience with Purnell Orthodontics! Dr. Purnell and his staff are wonderful! Candie is always a pleasure and a welcome face at the front desk. My son and I very happy with his smile! Will definitely recommend them to anyone needing braces!
Angie Foster
2 years ago
Dr. Purnell and his staff are the best!!! My daughter just got her braces removed and her teeth look great.
Holly Broome
3 years ago
We had our free consultation for my son and had a great experience. All of the staff were very friendly. The waiting area is comfortable and they have a game room for the kids. Dr. Purnell gave us an honest opinion and we look forward to using them for years to come. UPDATE - 5/2021 - 5 STARS :) Our son just had his braces removed and he couldn't be happier! We love Purnell Ortho!!
Karen Phillips
3 years ago
GREAT, WONDERFUL, BEST DECISION I EVER MADE IN MY 60'S!!!! Jessica is the bomb! Dr. Purnell is AWESOME! The whole staff is phenomenal. I would cringe at the dentist. No issues with them. Going to miss them. I graduate today! Thank u guys for my new smile.
Brittany Brunson
3 years ago
Dr. Purnell is very professional and super nice. He and his staff always have a smile on their faces and go above and beyond for their patients. The best experience and service there is! I would highly recommend Purnell Orthodontics to any and everyone!
David Olsen
3 years ago
Friendly staff, efficient process, skilled provider.
Ashleigh McRae
3 years ago
We had a great experience with Purnell Orthodontics! Dr. Purnell and his staff are wonderful! Candie is always a pleasure and a welcome face at the front desk. My son and I very happy with his smile! Will definitely recommend them to anyone needing braces!
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