Dr. Kari A. Cunningham FPFA, FAAPD, FICD, FACD
Dr. Kari Cunningham is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and Fellow of the American College of Dentists. She is the proud owner and founder of Panther Pediatric Dentistry in her hometown of Euclid, Ohio.
A valedictorian graduate of Euclid High School, Dr. Kari went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh on a full academic scholarship. Both institutions proudly represented blue and gold colors with panther mascots, inspiring the name and spirit behind Panther Pediatric Dentistry.
A Calling to Serve
At just twelve years old, Dr. Kari began considering dentistry as a career, encouraged by her father, a trained dental assistant in the U.S. Air Force, who told her to “Go be the doctor!” Years of shadowing dentists and participating in summer enrichment programs strengthened her commitment to pediatric dentistry.
In 2004, Dr. Kari participated in the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea program. During her travels, she witnessed communities with little or no access to dental care. A visit to an orphanage in Tanzania deeply impacted her, as did the words of a tour guide in South Africa who shared:
“When someone in our community makes it, they don’t just leave to better themselves — they return to reinvest in the community so someone else can have a chance.”
Those words reshaped her life’s mission.
In 2004, Dr. Kari participated in the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea program. During her travels, she witnessed communities with little or no access to dental care. A visit to an orphanage in Tanzania deeply impacted her, as did the words of a tour guide in South Africa who shared:
“When someone in our community makes it, they don’t just leave to better themselves — they return to reinvest in the community so someone else can have a chance.”
Those words reshaped her life’s mission.
Education & Leadership
Dr. Kari earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2010 and completed her pediatric specialty training at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in 2012.
Since 2012, she has served as adjunct faculty at both Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. She also previously served as Dental Director of Lorain County Health and Dentistry and the Rainbow Center for Women and Children in Cleveland’s Midtown neighborhood.
Since 2012, she has served as adjunct faculty at both Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. She also previously served as Dental Director of Lorain County Health and Dentistry and the Rainbow Center for Women and Children in Cleveland’s Midtown neighborhood.
Global Service & Community Commitment
In 2014, Dr. Kari fulfilled a promise to return to Africa as a volunteer pediatric dentist with Global Dental Relief. During multiple service trips to Kenya, she provided dental care to more than 2,000 children at the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital Dental Clinic.
These experiences reinforced her dedication to access to care, a mission that ultimately led her back home to Euclid to establish Panther Pediatric Dentistry.
Today, Dr. Kari is honored to provide comprehensive pediatric dental care, including sedation services, to children throughout Northeast Ohio.
These experiences reinforced her dedication to access to care, a mission that ultimately led her back home to Euclid to establish Panther Pediatric Dentistry.
Today, Dr. Kari is honored to provide comprehensive pediatric dental care, including sedation services, to children throughout Northeast Ohio.
Beyond the Office
Dr. Kari is married to Mr. Vincent, whom she met during her service work in Kenya. Mr. Vincent serves as a dental assistant in the practice and is also a licensed massage therapist. He owns Rest Assured Massage Studio in Lyndhurst, OH.
Outside the office, Dr. Kari is an independent travel advisor, event planner, and certified life coach. She also owns Dr. Kari's TLC where she is able to focus on her joys of Travel, Life coaching, and Children's dentistry. If you have a travel dream you need help making come true, explore what Dr. Kari can help you do by visiting www.DrKariTLC.com
Outside the office, Dr. Kari is an independent travel advisor, event planner, and certified life coach. She also owns Dr. Kari's TLC where she is able to focus on her joys of Travel, Life coaching, and Children's dentistry. If you have a travel dream you need help making come true, explore what Dr. Kari can help you do by visiting www.DrKariTLC.com
Dr. Kari established Panther Pediatric Dentistry to provide advanced pediatric dental care under general anesthesia in a safe, structured clinical environment focused on access, collaboration, and community reinvestment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Children ages 1–12 with extensive dental needs who are unable to tolerate comprehensive treatment while awake may be candidates for general anesthesia. Dr. Kari will evaluate your child’s medical history, dental needs, and overall health to determine whether sedation dentistry is appropriate.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Your child’s safety is our highest priority. General anesthesia is administered by a licensed anesthesia team at the Akron Children's Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center in Beachwood, OH. Medical clearance is required prior to treatment and the hospital will work with families to get appointments scheduled.
Does my child need a referral?
Panther Pediatric Dentistry is a referral-based practice. Referrals may come from a dentist, medical provider, or directly from a parent seeking an evaluation for sedation-based care.
What happens on the day of surgery?
Parents/guardians will report to the surgery center as advised by the hospital staff. They will undergo a pre-surgery assessment by the nursing staff. The parent/guardian and child will meet with the anesthesiologist and review the treatment plan with Dr. Kari. You should plan to be at the surgery center for approximately 4–6 hours, including treatment and recovery. A parent or guardian must remain in the building throughout the procedure.
What if my child becomes sick before surgery?
If your child develops an illness prior to the scheduled procedure, please contact the Peri-operative Surgical Home (PSH) Team at 330-543-777 immediately. For safety reasons, the anesthesiologist may cancel and postpone treatment if your child is ill on or before the day of surgery.