I have a Kenmore Elite Smartheat Quietpak9 dryer. I need to replace the door switch. How do I take the panels off?

That information doesn't help enough. The model number of the dryer is required and is found by opening the door and looking on the cabinet.

Those driers have screws on the inside around the door on some models. You can pop the top by pushing in on the front corners with a thin screwdriver and then reach down to door switch to change it without removing the front many times. If the drier is very old-over two years- I would clean it out by disassembling it and removing hardened on deposits. That way you won't have to work on it again for a while. DrTom4444