How can I merge these faces more efficiently? I'm trying to get a flat outside ring on this modified sphere for a 3d printing project. Currently I'm selected 3 faces at a time and then Delete (x) > Dissolve Faces (s). I don't mind the manual process but I would like to evolve my process for future use.



I'm trying to flatten this new faces to have a flat outer ring similar to an ibuprofen pill.
Either follow Shady Puck's technique or simply use Collapse Edge Loops operator

In Edge Selection mode use by default Alt + Mouse Select to select a full edge loop, then press X > Edge Loops