Vashon’s longest-serving dentist has sold his practice to a young man who once shadowed him as a high school student — a passing of the torch that both men say they’re ready for.

Dr. Michael Maki has owned his own practice on Vashon for 35 years, he said, building it up to an office that now has about 2,200 patients and employs three hygienists.

Two years ago, Dr. Marc Langland, who job-shadowed at the busy clinic when he was a student at Vashon High School, joined the practice.

In October, Maki, 64, reduced his hours to about two days a week. At the beginning of December, he sold his practice to Langland, 28. Maki plans to step down entirely in May.

An affable and energetic man, Maki said he’s looking forward to playing more golf, taking trips on his motorcycle and spending more time with his two granddaughters.

“It felt like the right time,” Maki said. “I don’t feel there’s anything I can accomplish that Marc can’t do as well or better than I can.”

Langland, for his part, said he’s ready for the challenge of running a solo practice. When he joined the clinic two years ago, Langland replaced Dr. Cliff Eckman, who practiced with Maki. Now, Langland — the son of Tom and Mary Langland, co-owners of the Vashon Pharmacy — said he’s looking forward to practicing on his own.

“This has been the intention all along,” he said.

The office is enjoyable, he added. “It’s got a certain energy that I like,” he said.

If he finds he needs a second dentist, he’ll look to bring someone else on, he said.

“It would have to be just the right fit,” he added.