American Dentist V.D. Collins

Hello,

I found info written by Rudi Butt about an American dentist, Varnum David Collins, who trained Kwan Yuen Cheong in dentistry and gave him his dental kit upon retirement, circa 1857.  I have not been able to verify his findings. I emailed him but have not received a reply.  Does anyone know if Rudi Butt is still living?

"Kwan before moving to Hong Kong to practice dentisty, apprenticed under American named Collins in Canton."http://hongkongsfirst.blogspot.com

Has anyone come across this dentist, Collins, or found evidence that Kwan apprenticed under him?

I have been searching for this dentist's identity for over twenty years. Kwan Yuen Cheong is my great-great-grandfather.

Thank you,

Debbie