What are the risks involved in kissing providers?  How can I avoid contracting herpes or anything like that?  Any other diseases I can get from kissing?  I don't have any diseases right now, I never have, and I really don't want to get any.

I do try to stay away from providers that offer kissing (and FS, for that matter), but when the opportunity presents itself unexpectedly I find it really hard to resist.  How can I protect myself?

There are not too many diseases you really have a danger of contracting solely by kissing.  Mononucleosis is the only other common one I can think of right now...being a medical student.  Just be careful...look for obvious signs (boils, cold sores...[oooo, scary!].  Brush your teeth.  Keep your mouth clean.  When your done with a provider, if you feel the need, brush again, gargle with Listerine, etc.  Seriously, ethyl alcohol at 70% or greater is extremely bactericidal (that means "germ deadly").  So, rip out your oral mucosa with some Bacardi 151, if you're so inclined.  Viruses, you're going to have a harder time with...but most of them are delicate...so, my best advice is to stay clean as possible.