Matthew received an Honours degree in Neuroscience from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1999. He then completed his doctoral studies at Aberdeen before moving to Australia in 2004 where he worked as a research scientist at the University of Sydney. During this time Matthew published more than twenty articles in reputable scientific journals. After moving to Brisbane in 2011, Matthew completed his Honours degree in Dentistry at the University of Queensland, where he is also a Senior Lecturer. Matthew specifically enjoys general dental practice because of the varied and rewarding experiences it brings. He is also an elected member of the Council of the Australian Dental Association Queensland.