Although there are more than 24 major African language groups, English and French are the only official languages of Cameroon. For this reason, Dr. And Mrs. Burtch spent six months in France to learn French prior to their arrival in Cameroon. Their love for Cameroon does not mean they haven't had problems. Dr. Burtch has faced malaria twice, though his wife has remained unscathed. Random police controls have also caused problems from time to time.
Supplies are another challenge for the clinic.
According to Dr. Burtch, there are no real dental supply houses in Cameroon, and supplies must be imported from France. Some supplies arrive at the clinic as donations, and others are available to the clinic heavily discounted from U.S. supply houses. Every two years, Dr. Burtch and his wife are given a three-month furlough. This gives them time to relax, spend time with relatives, and restock needed necessities. Dr. Burtch was born in Portland, Oregon.