Mario has PhD in Psychology by the University of Lisbon (Psychology School) and a master degree in Health Psychology.  

His research in the area of behaviour change, focuses in the joint role of self-regulatory processes in daily oral health protective behaviours to enhance patient's health.

He is a graduate of the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Lisbon and earned a bachelor´s degree in Science (Dental Hygiene) from the University of Washington, Seattle. 

For the last 30 years he has been a teacher and focus on the behavioural areas of oral health.  He is an International speaker in oral health behaviour modification and communication skills, having delivered numerous guest lectures in various countries of the world. He has publications and articles on behaviour modification and periodontal health in international journals (Q1, Q2).

He is an Adjunctive Professor and Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at Portalegre Health School. Lives in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal where he also worked as a clinical/behavioral dental hygienist. One wife, 4 kids, 2 cats and play with Lego as a Lego Serious Play Oficial Facilitator.