McCauley eventually stepped down from the role in 2012 to become the dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Upon stepping into her new role as dean, McCauley was elected a Member of the National Academy of Medicine. She also continued to conduct research in her laboratory by investigating hormonal control of bone remodeling. Her research was recognized by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research with their 2019 Stephen M. Krane Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, McCauley was awarded the American Dental Association’s 2021 Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.
