Within the density matrix formalism, we report on the quantum control of the excitonic coherences in quantum dots coupled to a single mode field resonant semiconductor cavity. We use an external classical laser field to drive the dynamical response of the excitonic states. Dissipation mechanisms associated with the cavity field and the excitonic states are explicitly included in the model. Our numerical simulations of the excitonic dynamics are in good agreement with recent experimental reports. Furthermore, we compute and show how to tailor such a dynamics in the presence of the laser field by means of controlling the detuning between the laser and the cavity field frequencies. The results are analyzed with a view to implementing quantum control of local qubit operations.