Salina ? The numbers tell the story: 1,700 teeth pulled; 1,000 teeth filled; 320 cleanings; and 30 root canals.

Dentists, hygienists and assistants completed that volunteer work — valued at an estimated $521,493 — in the first of three days of the Kansas Mission of Mercy’s free dental clinic at the Bicentennial Center.

In all, more than 1,000 patients were helped at the clinic Friday. More than 600 people were already waiting in line when the free clinic opened its doors just after 5 a.m. Friday.

Patients were already lining up by 5 p.m. Friday for the next day’s services.

“Whoever thought of this and put it together, I wish I could meet them and shake his or her hand,” said Richard Reeves, who had his teeth cleaned at Mission of Mercy on Friday. “Logistically, this should be a nightmare, but it doesn’t seem to be. I am thoroughly impressed.”

Reeves spent nearly eight hours waiting to see a dentist, but he said it was worth it. He hadn’t seen one in years, and medical professionals pointed out another problem: high blood pressure.

“They caught something that could be a big deal,” Reeves said.

Those who worked at the clinic all volunteered their time.

Al Martinez of Overland Park said he had wanted to get involved for a while.

“This is a labor of love for me,” he said, while guiding patients from station to station. “I used to be on the other end, receiving help. It’s good to give back.”

Sean Reynolds, a dentist from Humboldt, said he was happy with how smoothly everything was going.

“We started seeing patients in all department before we thought we would,” he said. “Everyone is real busy, and they’re having fun.”