ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland is delaying a dental literacy campaign designed to prevent deaths like that of the 12-year-old Prince George's County boy who died of a tooth abscess in 2007.

The state's Board of Public Works -- which includes Gov. Martin O'Malley, Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot --delayed approval of an $885,000 "oral health" marketing contract amid questions about the bidding process.

The campaign is designed to prevent poor dental health, like the untreated toothache which eventually killed 12-year-old Deamonte Driver in 2007. The state received four bids from companies looking to run the three-year campaign -- all but one of the companies sought $885,000 for the work. A fourth company is seeking $880,000.

A Franchot spokesman said he expects the contract to come up again at a future BPW hearing.

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