Updated for 2026-27
Students are required to own a laptop computer for coursework purposes by the first day of orientation. Although ATSU does not require a specific model or brand of computer, below are the minimum required specifications. Please note, previous classes were required to have an iPad, which is no longer a requirement. However, the laptop requirements have been increased to allow for use of 3D digital dentistry software in the classroom and sim clinic. This is a new opportunity beginning for this class going forward. For students using Title IV financial assistance, the financial aid Cost of Attendance includes an allocation for this purpose. Title IV funds will be available after matriculation.
Windows laptop specifications
- Operating system: 64-bit version of Windows 11 or newer
- CPU Processor: Intel i7 or newer, Non-ARM based processors
- RAM: 32GB or higher
- Graphics: Nvidia RTX 4070 or better
- Wi-Fi capability
- Hard drive: 500GB or higher of available space
- For on-site support, and in order to back up the answer files to a USB drive, a working USB port is required. (Newer devices may require an adaptor)
- A broadband internet connection (DSL, cable or other high-speed internet)
Multi-factor authentication
All students are required to use multi-factor authentication (MFA). You will be provided with information about configuring this along with your account information.
These technology requirements pertain to students in these Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health programs
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
Loupes with light
The minimum requirements for loupes are:
- 2.5x magnification
- light with a filter for curing composites
- side shields
- students MUST have by September 1st of their D1 (first) year
- There is an allocation in the first-year Title IV Cost of Attendance that includes the purchase of loupes that will meet the minimum specifications for loupes
Digital Camera
When choosing a camera to take quality intraoral photos, look for a camera that has a good macro lens for close ups in addition to a flash system that is close to the front of the lens to give good illumination with minimal shadows. There are two main types of cameras for dental photography.
1. Compact point and shoot. Lester Dine, Inc., offers a rugged, waterproof camera that has been pre-programed for intraoral and extraoral photographs. It has a macro lens capability for close-ups and a flash that is reasonably close to the front of the lens to minimize shadows from the lips. They offer a discount to ASDOH students.
2. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). This set-up has a separate body, lens, and flash that will take the best quality dental photos. There can be a significant cost difference and learning curve compared to the Dine point and shoot. The macro lens should be a 100-105 mm lens to be able to zoom in close enough without being too close to the patient. The flash, either a ring, ring-point, or dual point flash, needs to mount to the front of the lens to not create shadows. The built-in flash on the top of the body of many DSLRs is too far from the lens to illuminate the mouth properly. This type of system is offered by companies such as Dine or PhotoMed, or you can assemble your own.
3. The minimal megapixels for dental photography is 6 MP. Most digital cameras today offer much more than that. Students MUST have a camera by July 1st of their D2 (second) year. There is an allocation in the second-year Title IV Cost of Attendance that includes the purchase of a digital camera that meets the minimum specifications for a camera through our preferred vendor Lester Dine, Inc.