A dental assistant's monitor makes life a lot easier for both the dentist and the assistant.  With a monitor, the assistant can really do things that many dentists never envision.  First of all, when they can see what you see, they are able to anticipate your needs sooner and have instruments  ready for you. When we train dentists to use a scope, we emphasize trying to keep the eyes on the eyepieces as much as possible in order not to break the rhythm of the work. We have the assistant transferring the instruments while the dentist keeps his hands at the oral cavity so he doesn't have to reposition them every time.  We also have him or her change the burs of the hand-piece when necessary. It is so nice to have the assistant blow off a dirty mirror with the triplex syringe without having to tell her or needing to wipe it off yourself.

One of the real interesting things we have the assistant  do is to make sure the tooth being worked on is centered on the monitor.  It's amazing, when the assistant is able to see better, the dentist also sees better.  

The installation can have a large monitor on a moveable support arm that allows the monitor to be placed where it could be viewed by both the assistant and patient. On the monitor, not only can you see what he is seeing, but this image can be saved. printed, or emailed and used in the same manner as an intra-oral camera. It’s also better because it is live action and you don't have to stop in the middle of your work to grab a camera.

In order to work efficiently, the dentist does not use the tray on his over-the-patient unit or on his side delivery unit as the assistant cannot reach it.  Instead, she has it on a tray or cabinet in front of her and she has everything she needs within easy reach.

There are a couple of things to consider regarding eyepiece fogging . The problem is that eyepieces may be cool and breath is hot, causing condensation on the lens. Usually the fogging it is a result of your breath being diverted up to the eyepieces via the face mask. Try wearing your face mask in a different position usually lower down your nose. Also pinch the little insert at the top of the mask to fit your nose better.

If you are using eyeglasses, the eyecups should be either removed or folded back out of the way. If you are not using eyeglasses, then the eyecups should be fully extended and you eyes should be in contact with the eyecups. The closer you get your eyes to the eyecups, the wider the field of view and it has a tendency to keep the lenses from fogging.

The other thing you can do is use eyeglass cleaner spray which prevents fogging

The best method is to establish a “finger rest” with your pinky finger of the hand with which you hold the mirror so you have a point of reference. If you just hold the mirror suspended in mid-air without this point of reference, you will not know where you are and run the risk of hurting the patient.