Hutchinson ? A group called the Kansas Mission of Mercy is planning for a large turnout at its free dental care clinic this weekend in Hutchinson.

The group will offer free cleanings, fillings and extractions on Friday and Saturday at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

Dr. Steven Wilson, co-chairman of the group, says no pre-registration is taken. The fairgrounds will open the Sunflower south building on Thursday night for those who want to wait overnight. About 1,000 people will be seen each day.

The first Mission of Mercy clinic was in Garden City in 2003, and subsequent clinics have been held across the state.

The Hutchison News reported Monday that $8.5 million in dental work has been provided for free to 17,500 patients since the program began.