About Us
Gentle Care. Elevated Smiles.
Why Red Tail?
The name Red Tail Dental Care reflects Dr. Sorensen’s roots, values, and her love for the place she calls home. Inspired by the red-tailed hawk, a bird native to the San Diego area, the name captures the spirit of the practice: attentive, graceful, and grounded.
Red-tailed hawks are known for their calm focus and broad perspective. These are the same qualities Dr. Sorensen brings to her care—thoughtful, patient-centered, and grounded in trust. Their soaring flight speaks to the kind of dentistry she offers: elevated in quality and deeply connected to the people and community around her.
Gentle Care. Elevated Smiles.
Welcome to Red Tail Dental Care
At Red Tail Dental Care, we’re committed to delivering care that is thoughtful, conservative, and designed to support lifelong health. With a blend of science, artistry, and genuine connection, Dr. Sorensen and her team create custom treatments that honor each patient’s unique needs. Rooted in trust and guided by compassion, we strive to provide an elevated experience that helps our community smile with confidence.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. McKenzie Sorensen
Dr. McKenzie Sorensen is a San Diego native with a passion for dentistry that bridges science, artistry, and human connection. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Rice University, where her senior thesis focused on ancient Mayan teeth—an unexpected project that sparked her journey into dentistry. Dr. Sorensen earned her DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and completed a General Practice Residency at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston before returning home to serve the La Mesa community.
Grounded in a biomimetic philosophy, Dr. Sorensen focuses on conservative, preventive care designed to preserve natural tooth structure and support long-term oral health. She especially enjoys restorative problem-solving, from ultraconservative inlays to full mouth rehabilitation. As a member of the San Diego County Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry, she is committed to continued growth and evidence-based care.
Dr. Sorensen’s approach is equal parts thoughtful and down-to-earth. Her goal is to create a space where patients feel seen, cared for, and confident in the quality of their care—one that feels less like a clinic and more like home.
Meet the Team
A Team You Can Trust
From the front desk to the operatory, our team brings professionalism, kindness, and know-how to every appointment. Expect to be greeted warmly, listened to carefully, and treated with a level of attention and expertise that makes you feel at ease and in good hands.
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Your First Visit
Step in and Smile
When you visit Red Tail Dental Care, you’ll be welcomed into a relaxed, judgment-free environment where your comfort and wellness come first. We take time to get to know you, explain what we see, and work with you to create a treatment plan that reflects your needs and goals.
Your Experience
We believe in combining professionalism with warmth. Expect a thoughtfully paced visit—never rushed—where you can ask questions, share concerns, and feel respected. Our goal is to build trust and a long-term relationship with each patient.
What to Bring
To keep things running smoothly, we recommend bringing the following to your first appointment:
Modern Tools & Comfortable Touches
We’re proud to align our care with advancements that improve your experience and outcomes. From digital tech to eco-conscious systems, everything we do is designed to be smarter, cleaner, and more efficient—so your visit feels seamless and thoughtful.
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Digital Scanner for Impressions
Say goodbye to goopy impression trays—our digital scanner provides fast, accurate impressions for crowns, aligners, and smile design, all with greater comfort.
Panoramic X-Rays
Our panoramic imaging allows for a comprehensive view of your mouth and jaw, helping us spot issues before they become symptoms.
Eco-Conscious Approach
From reusable products to reduced paper waste and digital files, we care about sustainability in every corner of our practice. It’s our way of caring for you—and the planet.
Comfortable Environment
Our office features large windows with abundant natural light and garden views. Plans are underway to add a beverage station and kids’ area to make your time here even more enjoyable.
Patient-Focused Team
Beyond the tech, it’s our team that makes the biggest difference. Each staff member is dedicated to making sure you feel heard, cared for, and well taken care of at every step.
Anxiety-Free Dentistry
Dental visits don’t have to be stressful. We offer calming options like nitrous oxide and mild prescription medication to help ease anxiety and make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Giving Back
We believe in more than just healthy smiles—we believe in brightening futures. That's why we're proud to partner with Just In Time for Foster Youth, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to supporting young people transitioning out of foster care by helping them achieve self-sufficiency and well-being.
As part of our commitment, we provide free dental care to foster youth. This essential care helps ease their transition to independence, supporting their confidence, health, and long-term success. Our team is honored to step in where many services end, ensuring these young adults have access to the dental care they deserve as they build their lives.
Check out jitfosteryouth.org to learn more!
Let’s Get You Scheduled
Whether it’s time for your next checkup or you’re ready to reshape your smile, we’re here with compassionate care and clinical excellence every step of the way.