Service with a Smile
The Perfect Smile Starts Here
Dr. Sam Purnell
by Mary Ann Hutcheson
Chapin native Sam Purnell, DMD says his first introduction to the world of dentistry was initially inspired by Craig DuPuis, a mentor from his church. It wasn’t until his first year at Clemson that he seriously considered a career in dentistry. “I realized that dentistry was very much a field of science and art,” he explains. “After shadowing different specialties in field, I was pleasantly surprised to realize how much I could connect to my penchant for art with dentistry.”
As a child, he loved comic books and, in later years began to appreciate the masters such as J. M.W. Turner and Rembrant. “I really enjoy most forms of art to this day. Sketching is the most accessible and the easiest way for me to continue to dabble.” He had a keen eye for detail and design, and the realm of landscape architecture fed his love of art and the outdoors. He was soon drawn towards dentistry as a form of service and personal satisfaction. He remembers that he had no thoughts of specializing back then. “I wanted to be a good dentist, do good work, do beautiful things, do crowns, veneers, and fillings,” he says. After graduating, Purnell was accepted into the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine, where he soon recognized a huge passion for orthodontics.
Today he owns Purnell Orthodontics, a thriving facility located on Sunset Blvd. in Lexington. “A healthy bite and a beautiful smile are important. We want people to be confident,” he says. He describes how rewarding it is to observe the change, the reaction, and the involuntary smiles from patients when the final results from an extensive process are revealed. “It is super gratifying to see people satisfied when they’re done,” he says, “especially when it can take up to two years to happen.”
As for the future, Sam is laser-focused. “My aspirations are to continue increasing my knowledge of orthodontics and how I can improve the lives of my patients. Outside of work my primary aim is to foster my relationship with my kids and my bride, spending as much time with them as possible.” Purnell met his wife, Katie, during his first semester in dental school. He says, “We met in November, were dating by Christmas, engaged six months later, and married six months after that. Katie is a gracious woman and so sweet for putting up with me during that time.” He admits the early years in the profession can be lean ones. Purnell’s hobbies include cycling, mountain biking, gardening, and hiking. He enjoys hanging out with his family and playing games with his sons, Shepard and Yates, and daughter, Pepper. Dr. Purnell simply enjoys life and the beautiful smiles all around him.
