THE Medicare dental program is proving less expensive the longer it lasts, new research shows, bolstering reformers' hope that the government might rethink its opposition to the scheme.

The cost per patient of the existing dental scheme has fallen sharply as patients complete the expensive phase of their treatment, research by Sydney University dental academic Hans Zoellner has found.

Findings deflate the government's central argument against developing the present arrangements into a full scale Medicare-style scheme. Credit:AFR

Associate Professor Zoellner, who chairs the Association for the Promotion of Oral Health, says his findings deflate the government's central argument against developing the present restricted arrangements into a full-scale Medicare-style scheme - that it would cost too much.

The government has tried unsuccessfully to shut down the current Medicare dental scheme, which provides cover for up to $4,250 in dental costs.