When Harold Hagerty opened his new dental office in Albany it seemed like he had just invested $2 million.

"If you look at it now it was a bargain," said Hagerty, whose office is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. "Back then it was like $2 million."

A $5,000 investment turned into a life's work, one that's seen a complete revolution in dental equipment and practices. It has also seen him pass on the dental tradition to his son, Patrick.

Harold, 83, retired in 1988 leaving Patrick to carry on the practice.

"My dad was a big influence and I knew I wanted to do something to stay in this area … something that would contribute to the greater good," said Patrick. "Dad was also the first to say I was out of my mind."

Nonetheless, Patrick followed his father, joining the practice in 1986. The office moved to its location at 1070 24th Avenue S.W. in 1996.

"We worked together for two years," he said. "It was a great experience."

Together they have witnessed virtually every major advance in dentistry over the last half century.

"The most obvious thing is that people don't hold on to their chairs so tightly anymore," smiled Harold.

A more comfortable process has made life easier but Patrick says there are stereotypes to overcome.

"Every comedian in America takes aim at dentists. They compare most bad experiences to having a root canal," he laughed.

Both men agreed visits are not so strenuous thanks to technical advances.

"The new equipment and computer technology has revolutionized it," said Patrick. "The old cable driven drills are long gone."

Harold said the new chairs have helped make visits easier for everyone. Air compressors, water sources and virtually everything is controlled by a foot pedal.

"There is much greater speed and efficiency now," he said.

There have been some constants. Many patients have been coming in since the office opened.

"Patients I had when I started are bringing in their grandchildren," noted Harold.

He remembers starting small.

"There were four people in the waiting room the first day. Once people started to get dental plans then it got overwhelming."

Harold didn't start out to be a dentist. The World War II veteran graduated from Oregon State with a degree in Agriculture and became a processed products inspector in San Jose. A long time interest in dentistry was rekindled, however, and his path changed.

His wife Dorothy got a chance to teach in St. Helens while he attended dental school which, after graduation led them to Albany.

In many ways the Hagertys have been pioneers. Harold was the first in the area to use an air drill, which he says shortened procedure times, and added comfort and consistency. Patrick was the second in the nation to introduce Adec Electric Servo hand pieces creating shorter, quieter and calmer experiences.

Patrick, who said his father gave him "two weeks notice" before leaving the office, has embraced the newer technology and also is committed to make a contribution to the community.

He has the largest hospital dental practice for special needs patients in the state run with the support of Samaritan Albany General Hospital.

Harold who started with a staff of one says Patrick's 10-person staff is "A whole platoon."

The Albany fixture seems set for many years to come.

"I plan to stay," says Patrick, who has two daughters in college. "It's where I grew up."

Harold says he is proud of his and his son's accomplishments and of his choice to pursue dentistry.

"I've seen a lot and it provided me with good friends and everything I wanted. It's been the best thing."