DR. CHERISH IM

New Leaf Dr Cherish Im

Dr. Cherish Im (affectionately known as “Dr. Cherish”) is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.  Outside of private practice, Dr. Cherish serves as an Attending Pediatric Dentist and instructor for residents at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center.  She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Dr. Cherish received a Bachelor’s degree in Science from McMaster University in 2006 and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) in 2010.

While at NYU Dentistry, Dr. Cherish developed a strong passion for working with children of all age groups and went on to complete a two-year specialty program in Pediatric Dentistry.  During the course of her specialty training at NYU Dentistry, she traveled to many underprivileged areas to provide children with dental care and education.

Dr. Cherish has enjoyed working in private practice since 2012, serving children in central New Jersey. In 2018, Dr. Cherish founded New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry to serve those in need in northern New Jersey.

She is a member of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), ADA (American Dental Association) and NJAPD (New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry). She is also certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Dr. Cherish lives in New Jersey with her husband, two boys and fur baby. She enjoys singing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

 

NJ Specialty License # 06205

PATIENT REVIEWS

After a difficult experience at our previous dentist, where I felt there wasn’t enough understanding or empathy for children with autism, I was nervous about trying somewhere new. I am so incredibly grateful we found this office! My son was very nervous at the beginning of his appointment, but the dentist and the entire staff were so calm, patient, and kind with him. Their gentle approach helped him feel safe, and he was able to relax and complete his entire appointment. That says so much about the care they provide. As a parent of an autistic child, finding a dental office that truly understands and treats children with compassion means everything. We are so happy to have found this place and look forward to coming back. Thank you for making such a positive difference for our family!

Loraimy

We’ve had such a great experience here. The dentist is highly qualified, kind, and truly wonderful with kids. Appointments always run on time, they take you right in. My child actually loves going to the dentist and sees it as something special. Kids can choose their toothpaste flavor and watch their favorite shows (there’s even a TV on the ceiling!) during the cleaning. They also receive a token they can redeem for a prize of their choice. My child needed a crown, and the whole process was incredibly smooth. She’s usually very nervous, but they kept her so comfortable and engaged the entire time. Even regular checkups feel like a fun experience for her. The facility is super clean as well. We’re so grateful to have found this office.

Nadia A. S.

My son has been going here for two years. From his first visit at age two he’s never had any fear and he actually looks forward to going. All of the staff from the front desk to the hygienists to the dentist are great with kids. Scheduling is easy. Highly recommend.

Justin Horvitz

Very kid-friendly. I have a 3 year old toddler and the staff were extremely kind and patient. Stellar service and good communication!

Gigi

If you’ve ever had to drag a nervous child into a dentist’s chair, you know how much the environment matters — and this place nails it. The Staff Makes All the Difference Every single person we encountered was warm, patient, and genuinely great with kids. They spoke directly to my child (not just to me), explained everything in a fun, age-appropriate way, and made the whole visit feel less like a medical appointment and more like a field trip. Spotlessly Clean — But Not Intimidating The facility is immaculate without feeling sterile or scary. No harsh lighting or clinical coldness — just a bright, well-kept space that puts kids at ease the moment you walk in. Designed With Little Ones in Mind You can tell someone thought hard about this from a child’s perspective. From the waiting area to the treatment rooms, every detail was intentional — the kind of thoughtfulness that turns a dreaded appointment into something kids actually look forward to. My One Honest Reaction I genuinely wish I had a dentist like this growing up. A place like this could have changed my whole relationship with dental care as an adult. If you’re a parent, do your kid a favor and start them here — you’ll be giving them something I didn’t have: a reason not to be afraid. Highly recommend without hesitation.

Srihari Rajagopalan