Does Midwestern Chicago Dental School Give You a New Laptop?

No, Midwestern University Dental School (Chicago) does not provide students with new laptops.

While some educational institutions offer laptops as part of their academic package, Midwestern University leaves it up to students to purchase and bring their own laptops. The university encourages students to have a laptop for their studies, especially since dental education today requires the use of digital resources, software, and tools.

Why a Laptop is Important in Dental School

In dental school, a laptop is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

1. Digital Tools & Software: Modern dental programs, including those at Midwestern, use various types of digital software for patient records, treatment plans, and more. As a dental student, you’ll be expected to interact with this technology daily.
   • For instance, Midwestern students use software like CEREC for creating dental crowns and Epic for healthcare management​.
   • This requires a computer that can handle these specialized programs.
2. Course Materials and Lectures: Many dental schools, including Midwestern, provide online lectures, PowerPoint presentations, research papers, and other materials in digital form. Having a laptop makes it easier to access and organize this information.
3. Note-Taking and Assignments: Dental school is information-dense, and students need to take notes during lectures, record patient information, and complete assignments. Laptops make note-taking and accessing course content more convenient than traditional pen-and-paper methods.
4. Communication: Whether it’s checking emails from professors or using online portals for class registration, communication is key in dental school. A laptop allows you to stay up-to-date with all of this.

What Laptop Features Should You Look For?

Since Midwestern doesn’t provide laptops, choosing the right one is essential. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Operating System (Windows or macOS): Both Windows and macOS are compatible with dental software. It’s more about your personal preference and which operating system you’re comfortable with. Some dental software (like CEREC) may have better support on Windows, but macOS works fine too, with some programs being available in both formats.
2. Processor (CPU): You should look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent (AMD Ryzen 5). These processors handle the demands of everyday tasks, from note-taking to running dental software. Higher-end processors like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 can be useful if you’re running more resource-intensive programs.
3. RAM (Memory): 8GB of RAM is generally the minimum for smooth performance when running multiple applications, such as web browsers, Microsoft Office, and dental software. If you can afford it, opting for 16GB or more will future-proof your laptop.
4. Storage (SSD): Storage is another important factor. 256GB SSD is the minimum recommended, as it allows for faster boot times and access to files. If you expect to store large amounts of data (e.g., images, research papers, etc.), consider 512GB SSD or more.
5. Battery Life: Since you’ll likely spend long hours on campus, a laptop with long battery life is a must. Aim for a laptop with at least 6 hours of battery life so you can make it through a full day of classes without needing to recharge.
6. Screen Size: 13″ to 15″ screens are ideal for portability and ease of use during lectures. Anything larger might be harder to carry around, while smaller screens may be difficult to work on for extended periods.
7. Durability: You’ll be carrying your laptop to classes, clinics, and labs, so durability is key. Look for a laptop with a solid build, a strong warranty, and good customer service.

Recommended Laptop Brands

Here are some brands that offer reliable laptops for students in dental school:

1. Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook Air:
   • Pros: Great build quality, reliable, long battery life, excellent display.
   • Cons: Some dental software might not be compatible without virtualization software like Bootcamp or Parallels to run Windows.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop:
   • Pros: Lightweight, convertible design (can be used as both a laptop and tablet), great for note-taking.
   • Cons: Some models may be more expensive, but they are solid all-rounders.
3. Dell XPS Series:
   • Pros: High performance, long battery life, sturdy build.
   • Cons: Can be on the pricier side but offers good value for performance.
4. HP Spectre x360:
   • Pros: Convertible 2-in-1 design, high-quality build, and long battery life.
   • Cons: More expensive, but the versatility makes it worth considering.

What Midwestern University Provides Instead

While Midwestern doesn’t provide laptops, they offer students cutting-edge technology in the form of digital dentistry tools, patient management software, and even 3D printers. These technologies ensure students gain hands-on experience with the latest advancements in dentistry. For example, CEREC scanners allow students to design and mill crowns in a single day​.

Moreover, Midwestern is committed to providing a comprehensive educational environment with access to resources like Epic, a healthcare management software, and opportunities to work with real patients at the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic​.

Final Conclusion

Midwestern Dental School does not provide laptops, but it is highly recommended that you bring your own device. Choose a laptop that fits the requirements of your dental program and suits your personal needs. Whether you opt for a MacBook, Dell, or HP, make sure your device is capable of running the necessary dental software and supports your academic workload.

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Nazim

Nazim is a tech enthusiast and expert in laptops, computers, and cutting-edge technology. With a degree in Computer Engineering and experience as a Data Analyst, Nazim combines deep technical knowledge with real-world insights to help readers make informed decisions about their tech needs.