So I want to play a character who doesn't like to get their hands dirty, and for most enemies in the game there are plenty of alternatives you can use (conjuration, illusion, sneaking past, etc.). However it strikes me that there's very few ways such a character can deal with dragons - all I can think of is using conjuration or luring them near others, both of which are a little dull.

Are there any inspired ways anyone can think of to deal with dragons without doing direct damage yourself, short of just summoning someone up every time? I guess if no one can think of anything, I'd probably use the Sanguine Rose with Marked For Death and Dragonrend - maybe with a little illusion on the side to buff the dremora - but having such a rote way of dealing with a certain enemy doesn't really seem that fun.

to much collateral damage with Storm Call.

Summons would work. hopefully ones that can cast magic or something otherwise your all sitting ducks until the dragon lands. If you got the shouts I say Bend Will, calm the dragon so you could flee... if you chose. Or Dragonrend to bring it down and let your followers have at it.

Equipping followers with good bows, arrows or staffs will do the trick.

At Dragon Gaurded Exterior Word Walls, Stormcall is safe to use and takes care of pesky annoyances. Stormcall does cause collateral damage and has to be used far enough away from Chickens and NPC's. For a Players second encounter with Dragons, We (should) have Meatshields.

An Archery based follower. Maybe with some guards nearby.

You have a strong shield, with perks put into shield bashing, a perk in the shield that blocks elemental damage, and you repeatedly bashing a dragon over and over before he can bite you.