I am completely new this, and realize that a certain amoumt of risk is associated with the hobby, but how do you deal with the potential for STD's without taking all of the "fun" out of it? As someone with a very significant amount of medical knowlege (and I'll leave it at that), I am not sure how to fully enjoy this without getting hung up on the potential for contracting something that I would prefer not to have...THANKS!

Do everything covered.  No DFK, no DATY, no BBBJ.  Even better, also pick providers who don't do any of these (but that may limit your options too much...).  You can still have fun.

Do a search on this board for STDs.  The subject is brought up frequently, and frankly has been discussed ad nauseum.