Is this abuse?

Yes! There is no excuse for this neglect, especially when the dental care is free. I feel so sorry for that child.

Physical Abuse

Don't know about Australia, but in the US, it would be a reportable case of gross neglect. Same as if a kid broke their arm and the parents did not bring them to the doctor. The dentist legally MUST report cases like this, or risk losing license.

Money should never be a reason to withhold needed medical care from a child. If dental work is too expensive, there are clinics providing free services to qualified children.

Every year, my dentist devotes a few days to doing free care on kids. The families are screened by the local dental society and they send us kids all day. We all work for free that day and see dozens of children.

That's why it makes me furious when I hear people say, "Dentists are greedy and charge too much. That's why my kid's teeth are rotting out of their head."

No excuse, none! Report these cases to the authorities same as you would if the child was starving, filthy dirty, not getting an education, or any other type of neglect.

This isn't abuse -- it's neglect -- there's a difference.

Abuse is willful harm caused to another individual -- intentionally.

Neglect is harm that results from failing to satisfy your duties and obligations.

Neglect is a form of abuse, and yes, this is abuse. I used to work for a dental group (in the US), and they often reported parents for not seeing to their childrens oral health properly (unfortunately, it was mostly welfare cases, but that also meant it was at no charge to them).

its not considered abuse its neglect and it makes me wonder what else these childern are lacking besides dental care what about medical im sure thats free too. if it really bothers you to the point your always worrying about these children call your local office of child and youth or child protective services . i dont know what its called in aussie. if i was innn your shoes i would its too bad to see a 3 year old suffering like that

it is so so abuse tell your doctor the next time you see him why because there should be no reason a child should be neglected for medical or dental care . most dental facilities will help parents by offering them a comfortable payment plan. like my mother has dont because my mom is a singal parent with no child support what so ever

It is neglect and it is child abuse. You should report it to the Department of Communities (or your relevant system in your state). If you want more information have a look here:

http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/child-protection...

Since when is dental care free? It may be free if you are prepared to wait years. By the time the kid gets treatment its an adult.

P.s if a kid has some many cavities I reckon it is on an abusive diet of crap food.

It is probably more a money problem that anything else. Dentists charge so much money it is amazing anyone can afford going at all.

Free is never free. There is always a catch, and it is usually poor performance or bad quality, or a hook to get more money for something else. Generally I would say if something is "free" it should be avoided like the plague. There is no such thing as free.