**2. Understanding abuse**

It is crucial for dental professionals to have a clear understanding of abuse and the important terminology linked to neglect. The WHO (2020) defines child abuse as "maltreatment and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age". The definition includes "all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power" [2].

To provide a broad perspective of the key terms that define child abuse and neglect (**Table 1** is included).

Abuse and neglect can be defined and categorized as follows:


*Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Practical Guide for Dental Professionals DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101564*


#### **Table 1.**

*Categories of abuse, definitions and manifestations or symptoms of abuse.*

