Dr. Santos served as Assistant Dean of Learner Experience in Dentistry (2022) and Chair of the Internationally Trained Dentists (ITD) Program (2015–2022) at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. She was a member of the ACFD EDI Working Group, contributing to equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across Canadian dental schools, and currently serves on the NCOHR Biomaterials Advisory Group within the Network of Canadian Oral Health Research.

Her research encompasses dental materials science and restorative dentistry, including laboratory investigations and long-term clinical evaluations of resin composites, ceramic restorations, and adhesive systems, as well as systematic reviews on restoration longevity, caries risk assessment, restorative teaching trends, and biocompatibility and clinical performance of dental restorative materials.

Her teaching career spans over 30 years in Brazil and Canada, with sustained contributions to undergraduate and graduate education in operative and restorative dentistry. Since joining Western University in 2006, she has advanced to the rank of full Professor and has chaired multiple operative dentistry courses, reflecting a long-term commitment to curriculum leadership and dental education.