Docs can you explain, is it required by virginia law to have an x-ray done before a tooth filling?

Need 4 x-rays: Not sure of laws in va. As a general rule, a dentist is expected to do what the prudent dentist would do in his\her set of circumstances when treating a patient. In my opinion, it would be prudent to take current x-rays (1 or 2) prior to treating a patient (for almost any dental service) unless i had very recent x-rays. Patient can refuse treatment ; dentist can refuse to treat patient.

Not an issue: Whether the law requires it or not has no bearing on the dentist assessment of what is required to provide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The dentist has an obligation to treat the whole tooth ( mouth. The dentist can not leave any caries untreated so he must see every aspect of the tooth and may need multiple x-rays . Do you want him to miss some decay in your tooth?