A beautiful smile can change how people feel about themselves, both physically and emotionally. My goal is to help you find that smile and learn to maintain its health and beauty, for a lifetime.
I love being a dentist: my profession allows me to beautify, soothe, motivate, and reward – all in a single day! I understand that every patient has unique concerns and desires; thus, I will always listen to you, respect your situation, and treat you in a professional, conscientious, and compassionate manner.
As a dentist, I am focused on problem-solving and finding the perfect solution for each person’s needs. By listening to you, and exploring your stories and habits, I am able to solve problems and resolve issues.
Our conversations create a bond, and I appreciate being included in your world. I love experiencing life phases with my patients: baby teeth, teenagers, college, career choices, weddings, babies, grandbabies, retirement.
It is an honor to share in people’s lives and their journeys and I look forward to doing so with you.
Education
- Undergraduate degree, Union College
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
- Residency, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
- Mini-MBA, Bentley University
I love learning and dentistry is a constantly evolving field, offering many opportunities for practitioners to expand their knowledge and skills.
I am an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association Continuing Education Council. We scout, contact, and organize speakers for local and state-level meetings. Planning and organizing educational lectures keeps me abreast of new information, techniques, and upcoming hot topics – before they are the hot topics.
In my position on the Council, I attend multiple professional meetings each year, evaluating new speakers across all disciplines. I also sit on subcommittees to evaluate the usefulness of each topic to the profession.
Serving on this large council, alongside dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, gives me the opportunity to learn and ask questions of many oral healthcare professionals from around the state.
Professional Memberships
- Dental Society of Greater Waterbury, Past President 2018, President 2017, VP 2016, Treasurer 2015, Cont Ed Coordinator 2014, "Party Planner" 2013
- Connecticut State Dental Association- Serves as Board Member since 2019
- Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach- Serves as Board Member since 2019
- American Dental Association
In the Community
I am very active in our community. I enjoy volunteering because each organization I volunteer for brings with it an entirely new way of solving issues and a new group of people to work with.
In 2011, Connecticut’s free dental clinic, Missions of Mercy, came to Waterbury. I volunteered to take a lead role in this project and have stayed with it ever since. I feel lucky to be one of the Leads for the Community Volunteers during the event and to manage the post-op phone calls after the event. Although it is challenging and sometimes exhausting work, it is also tremendously rewarding to be able to serve others in this way. I feel privileged to work alongside my colleagues and to improve the lives of so many. In 2015, I inspired my office workers to join me, too!
Since 2012, I have also donated time and services to Connecticut’s Give Kids a Smile program.
On a personal level, I have volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, striving to inspire girls to be more than they think they can be. I also teach a finance class to elementary school children every year, run the annual Muffins with Mom event at our local elementary school, and have taught CCD to second graders at our local church.
These groups enlighten, challenge, and excite me and they keep me thinking outside of the box!
Beyond the Office
Originally from Macedon, NY, just outside of Rochester, I now live in Newtown, CT with my family. My full married name is Cheryl Sobieraj Wadhwa; however, I practice under the name Sobieraj as my husband is a “Doctor” as well. He works as the Chairman of Orthodontics at Columbia University.
We have 4 adult children in addition to three dogs, two cats, a slew of frogs, and chickens! We have built our own chicken coop and are enjoying raising chickens; surprisingly, their care takes a lot of my spare time.
My family is, of course, the most important thing in my life. I am thankful that dentistry provides me the opportunity to balance a fulfilling career with a wonderful family.
When I have free time, I enjoy running, reading, along with walking, hiking, and traveling. In 2024 I am going to be a DENTIST at the NYC marathon. ( Unclear what that mean but I will let you know!)