Notes on Ross Edge Access, Proficiencies, and Hand Hygiene in Dental Assisting Module

Ross Edge Access and Password Management

• Ross Edge is used multiple times per month; the last item in the list of books is the Ross Edge. You should click on "Go to the career and registration page" and create an account.
• Password practices discussed:
  • The speaker suggests writing down and using the same passwords repeatedly across accounts. This implies password reuse across Vital Source (Ross Edge), Gale Virtual Library, Gmail, and Brightspace.
  • Memorize your student email as the primary credential to remember along with your password(s).
  • You may need to write passwords down on paper (binder-friendly) to keep track. Punch holes in the paper to place in the binder provided.
  • The password for Ross Edge is something you create yourself; the instructor will not disclose it or ask you to share passwords.
  • There is a brief aside about capitalization in passwords; the password is user-created and should be unique to you, but the instructor avoids discussing specific passwords to prevent confusion.
• Access details and expectations:
  • The directions for Ross Edge are in-depth; your email is already present on the system. There is a check about capitalization (capital letter) in the password issue, but the password itself is your own.
  • When navigating, you should see a content area with sections such as expectations and textbooks; you may need to access the welcome and required proficiencies.
• Content navigation on Ross Edge:
  • Click on Content to view sections like: expectations, textbooks, welcome, and required proficiencies.
  • Proficiencies are the specific skills or tasks you must demonstrate; you must be competent at 100% (see $100\%$). If you’re not sure you’re ready, you can practice and retry.
  • The only way not to pass proficiencies is to miss class; otherwise, practice until you achieve the required standard.
• Why proficiencies matter:
  • To learn how to apply proper technique to complete tasks accurately and efficiently ($3$ key aims: accuracy, efficiency, safety).
  • To ensure patient safety, protect clients and colleagues, operate equipment properly, and follow established protocols.
• Documentation and sign-off:
  • After completing a proficiency, you document it in the system; there are other ways to document, but the instructor will show you later.
  • When you finish one proficiency, you bring the paperwork to the instructor for signing; this is how the instructor tracks progress for many students.
• Binder structure and workflow:
  • The binder begins with a student calendar; some students highlight extensively or use their own system to track assignments.
  • After the calendar, there is a list of proficiencies. When you complete a proficiency, bring the sheet to the instructor to sign.
  • The binder may include notes such as how proficiencies are grouped (e.g., op setup, seating and dismissing a patient, operatory disinfection) as one proficiency; technically, these are three components, but dental assistants perform them in sequence as part of the workflow.
• Specific proficiencies and documentation details:
  • The schedule of steps is indicated by red-dotted highlights for handwashing timing within the binder.
  • You are expected to perform the full operatory setup workflow: wash hands, set up, seat the patient, manage the patient, and perform operatory disinfection.
  • The instructor emphasizes that handwashing should be performed according to protocol; the first occurrence is documented and then repeated as you perform concurrent tasks.
• Hand hygiene and PPE protocol:
  • Handwashing occurs frequently; there are signs in the operatory indicating handwashing requirements, but in some rooms there may not be signs.
  • You must wash your hands at the following times:
  • Before putting on PPE (PPE donning).
  • After removing PPE (doffing).
  • Hand sanitizer is used but not as a substitute for handwashing; do not rely on sanitizer for the entire day; periodically remove residue and thoroughly wash when needed.
  • If hands are visibly soiled or sweaty from long chairside work, wash with soap and water rather than relying solely on sanitizer.
  • There is a formal handwashing protocol that will be demonstrated in class as part of a proficiency.
• Upcoming class plan and activities:
  • The instructor will show a few videos, then take a break.
  • After the break, there will be an icebreaker activity, followed by the first lecture for the module (mod).
  • The class atmosphere anticipates a Break Time; students may be thinking about breaks as they proceed.
• Practical implications and real-world relevance:
  • Emphasizes the importance of consistent login credentials and secure password practices in a clinical education setting.
  • Demonstrates the integration of digital tracking (Ross Edge, proficiencies, documentation) with hands-on clinical skills and patient safety.
  • Highlights how structured documents (binder, calendar, proficiency sheets) support accountability and progress tracking in a multi-student environment.
  • Underlines the ethical and practical considerations of privacy and data security (e.g., not sharing passwords) while recognizing the instructor’s approach to simplifying password management for students.
• Connections to foundational principles:
  • Infection control and patient safety: strict hand hygiene, PPE usage, and stepwise operatory workflow align with core dental-assisting safety principles.
  • Professional practice and accountability: formal sign-off on proficiencies, documentation, and a calendar-driven plan reflect professional standards and evaluation methods.
  • Time management and efficiency: the goal of completing tasks accurately and efficiently while following protocols mirrors real-world clinical settings.
• Real-world relevance and scenarios:
  • Repetition and routine: frequent handwashing, charting, and proficiency demonstrations reflect typical dental clinic routines and infection-control requirements.
  • Educational scaffolding: ongoing practice, feedback, and documentation support skill development before patient care.
• Ethical and practical implications:
  • Password management raises privacy concerns; students should adopt secure practices beyond the classroom, even though the instructor discusses convenience using repeated passwords.
  • The emphasis on hands-on practice and safety aligns with patient rights to safe and competent care.
• Summary of key procedural elements to remember:
  • Access Ross Edge from the career/registration page; create and manage accounts on Vital Source (Ross Edge), Gale Virtual Library, Gmail, and Brightspace. The student email is a critical identifier.
  • Keep a written log of passwords and login details in a binder-friendly format; avoid sharing passwords; ensure you know your student email.
  • On Ross Edge, use Content to locate sections such as expectations, textbooks, welcome, and required proficiencies.
  • Proficiencies must be completed with 100% competency; unsuccessful attempts require practice and retry; attendance is essential for success, as missing class undermines proficiency goals.
  • After completing proficiencies, sign the proficiency sheet; the instructor uses this to track progress for many students.
  • The binder contains the student calendar and a list of proficiencies; the operator setup, seating/dismissing a patient, and operatory disinfection are treated as a single proficiency with sequential steps; handwashing is explicitly highlighted as part of the process (often called out with red dots).
  • There is a formal handwashing protocol with specific timings relative to PPE; sanitizer is supplementary but not a full replacement; rinse and wash when hands are visibly soiled.
  • The class plan includes videos, a break, an icebreaker, and the first module lecture; expect a hands-on, structured start to the module.

$100\%$ proficiency, $3$ main workflow components, $20$ minutes for some instructional pacing, and $1$st step emphasis are recurring numeric references to keep in mind during study and practical tasks.